On Wednesday night, Liverpool target Jude Bellingham scored yet another goal against Manchester City. His movement in the penalty box was reminiscent of Gini Wijnaldum.
During his time at Liverpool, Gini Wijnaldum developed a reputation for delivering big moments when his teammates needed him most. He was regarded as a ‘big-game player who would always turn up when the spotlight was at its brightest.
He scored crucial winning goals against Manchester City, Middlesbrough, and AS Roma to name but a few. Who could forget his brace against Barcelona in the semi-final of the Champions League in 2019?
Wijnaldum had an element of Frank Lampard about his game. He was a natural when required to pop up at the right time, always sensing where the ball would drop in the most dangerous areas.
Despite his reputation for finding the net, Wijnaldum primarily operated as more of a withdrawn figure for the Reds, providing a safety net for those ahead of him to take risks.
He focused on keeping the ball and winning his duels, without expressing himself too much unless Jürgen Klopp instructed him to become a box-to-box presence, which he did every now and then depending on the match scenario.
The Dutch international is now at AS Roma — having left Liverpool for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021 — and Thiago Alcântara now occupies the position that he left at Anfield.
It’s odd, then, that Liverpool is still linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham ahead of a possible move for him next year.
The English midfielder is still only 19 years old, but he’s already proven to be capable of getting forward and stealing a march on his opponents.
On Wednesday night, his BVB team faced Manchester City, and he opened the scoring by anticipating a cross and beating Ederson with a header.
It is not the first time Bellingham has scored against Pep Guardiola’s side. In fact, he’s scored 13 goals in all competitions for Dortmund since moving to Germany in 2020.
The English starlet can do everything to a high level, able to adapt depending on tactical demands. He’s accustomed to playing as part of a midfield duo or as a trio, and he can remain in deeper areas or dart forwards.
Much like Wijnaldum, Bellingham is a very flexible and versatile performer, and if he ends up at Anfield next season, he could finally fill Liverpool’s void.
