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Ian Doyle – 8
As the blockade continues in the country, television stations have started playing classic games.
The BBC has caught up to a winner with its World Cup rewind, which over the weekend saw the highlight of Spain’s 5-1 beating of the Netherlands in 2014.
Everyone remembers it. However, what they will not remember is that Gini Wijnaldum presents himself as a substitute for the Dutchman and almost achieved a sixth goal for his country.
Wijnaldum is that type of player, he rarely captures the spotlight, but he’s very reliable and often a great game player.
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The fact that he has started all five-bar games for Liverpool in the Premier League and Europe this season (he was injured for three and left the bench in the other two) underscores his consistency.
Jurgen Klopp loves it, and Wijnaldum’s performances in midfield this season have made resolving a new deal an imperative.
Joe Rimmer – 9
Gini Wijnaldum remains the only lasting aspect of Liverpool’s success.
He is always there, central in Liverpool’s midfield and central to Jurgen Klopp’s irresistible Reds this season.
Consider this, Wijnaldum has started all but one of the Liverpool Premier League matches, missing the victory over Bournemouth due to injury.
It started all but two of the Liverpool Champions League campaign.
It says a lot about how high Klopp values him and has quietly enjoyed another excellent season with the Reds.
It is a vital cog and even if it doesn’t grab attention every week, its importance is now clear to everyone.
Liverpool’s biggest problem remains signing that new deal. Wijnaldum is too important to let go.
Matt Addison – 8
Gini Wijnaldum has played 38 times in all competitions for Liverpool this season, and although he could only have contributed five goals, and has not yet provided assistance, that does not tell the whole story.
Look at every great game he’s been fit and available for, not just this year, but also before, and he’s popped up.
(Image: JAVIER SORIANO / AFP via Getty Images)
Only Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firmino have played more than Wijnaldum in the Premier League this season.
He is Jurgen Klopp’s ideal midfielder for the role he plays, working perfectly as the man to regain and then hold on to possession, easing the pressure as he moves his teammates across the field.
There has been a lot of talk about future replacements for people like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, but Wijnaldum’s assets will be almost as difficult to replicate.
Liverpool have yet to agree on a new deal with the Dutch, but it would make a lot of sense to do so given their current position on the team.
The only reason he hasn’t been given one so far is his age: At 29, his peak years are upon us already, though James Milner has shown that it can be valuable to offer an extension to players in that category.
Certainly, if it were available, clubs across Europe would be lining up for Wijnaldum services, because sometimes this season has been brilliant, and even when it’s not at its best, you know it still has a big voice in proceedings in in some ways thanks to a relentless work ethic and an often invisible influence.
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