This season has been one to forget for Liverpool fans after the club’s attempt at retaining the Premier League title had been all but dashed aside after poor form and the Reds looking far from their best at times.
Many factors have likely contributed to this dip in form, with injuries to players such as Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Diogo Jota, and many others contributing to a lack of options and Jurgen Klopp having to switch up his system to accommodate for the absentees.
One factor that hasn’t really been discussed nor taken into account is the fact that mainstay midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is more likely than not, set to leave the Reds at the end of the current campaign with his contract running out in July and talks all but non-existent over a new deal at Anfield.
Are Liverpool out of the title race?
Yes
No
He has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, with Ronald Koeman keen to bring Wijnaldum to the Nou Camp after forming a strong bond whilst manager of the Netherland’s national team. I think that the Dutchman’s imminent departure has had an affect on the Reds squad with them not knowing, with the recent new addition of Thiago also contributing to a lack of understanding and fire-power in midfield.
Wijnaldum has often been a workhorse in midfield and has been a fantastic player for the Reds since joining from Newcastle back in 2016 but this season has looked far from his best. Our fast and direct style of player has failed to be seen this season and the squad has started to lean towards a passing style of play, trying to build from the back through midfield to form attacks, something that Wijnaldum is not used to.
I think this coupled with his desire to leave the Reds at the end of the campaign has had a mental hampering on the Reds’ ability and usual standards of previous seasons – and I don’t think the squad even know it themselves.
Of course, this is all my opinion and I could be completely wrong – but I think this decision of Wijnaldum’s has caused a real shake in midfield with them looking like they are playing walking football more often than not this season.
What do you think Liverpool fans, do you agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…