Speaking after Liverpool unceremoniously thrashed Arsenal in the Premier League yesterday former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy was effusive in his praise toward one particular Liverpool player.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day (29/12/2018), he made it clear how highly he felt Jurgen Klopp thought of midfield operator Georginio Wijnaldum.
“I think he is the first name on the team-sheet now.”
– Danny Murphy on Georginio Wijnaldum
The Dutchman was signed back in 2016. The deal cost Liverpool £25 million, according to The Guardian. At the time, Klopp stated his belief that Wijnaldum could become ‘a great player’ for the Reds.
That, it seems, has certainly been the case.
The 28-year-old has been an ever-present in the Liverpool side since arriving from St James’ Park in 2016. He played 42 times in his first season at the club and 50 last term. This season he is again proving to be a regular fixture in the Liverpool team and Murphy might be right about him being first on the team-sheet.
He has started 25 times for Liverpool this season from a possible 27 games, including all six Champions League games. He missed the Burnley game at the start of the month with a minor injury so has only been rested from the starting XI on one occasion this season.
When considering the amount it cost Liverpool to sign Fabinho in the summer, the £25 million they spent just over two years ago for Wijnaldum now looks like an absolute bargain.