Mark Lawrenson believes Liverpool are missing someone like Georginio Wijnaldum
As per his article in the Daily Mail, Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes the Reds are missing someone like Georginio Wijnaldum in their midfield.
Liverpool got hammered 5-2 by Real Madrid at Anfield in the first leg of the last-16 tie in the Champions League. It is the first time the Reds conceded five goals at home in a European game.
The problem is that this game was not a one-off. Jurgen Klopp’s men have shipped in multiple goals against the likes of Brentford, Brighton and Wolves in this calendar year itself. Things were not good before the World Cup too.
We all know this team lacks legs and ground coverage in defensive transition in the midfield department. Here’s Lawrenson on how important Wijnaldum was and what Liverpool are missing (h/t Daily Mail):
“A few years ago, I could close my eyes and know exactly where all 11 players would be, especially in midfield. Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum. Now I can’t do that. People used to ask what Wijnaldum did. Now we know. He was utterly dependable. How many of this team can we say that about right now?
“Liverpool look easy to play against and play through and that’s a worry. Teams used to come to Anfield to play a Jurgen Klopp team and feel beaten when they drove through the gate. Now it’s the opposite.”
The problem with Liverpool has been the absence of a succession plan once an important player like Wijnaldum left in 2021. Since winning the Premier League in 2020, the Reds have signed only one midfield player – Thiago Alcantara.
While the Spaniard has been an excellent addition to the squad, he is not as reliable as his predecessor in terms of availability. Since signing for Liverpool, the former Bayern Munich midfielder has missed 50 games in two-and-a-half seasons. That does not include the latest hip injury he has suffered.
What that does is not keep continuity in such an important area of the field. That added to the fact that Jordan Henderson is not the same player anymore and Fabinho has had a massive drop-off this season, it is all a bit hotchpotch.
More Liverpool News:
- Transfer News: Liverpool ‘monitoring’ PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe
- Liverpool dealt with N’Golo Kante blow as midfielder is set to sign a new deal with Chelsea
- Transfer News: Liverpool eye a move for RB Salzburg’s Luka Sucic
It is a broken record that Klopp needs to freshen up the midfield department in the summer. Jude Bellingham is the leading target, but the Reds need at least three players. Let’s hope that refresh takes place and the owners adequately back the manager financially.
