Gini Wijnaldum warrants a place in Liverpool’s starting XI for the Champions League final.
The team for the showdown against Spurs in Madrid will pretty much pick itself, but the midfield’s always in the balance.
It is almost certain that Klopp will opt for Fabinho, who has been outstanding when called upon, as his anchor.
That leaves two further places up for grabs further forward in the midfield, one of which looks to Jordan Henderson’s.
Had Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain been fit this season, this decision would’ve been made even more difficult for Jürgen Klopp.
But the remaining place goes down to a battle between Wijnaldum and Milner – both incredibly capable of doing the job.
Yet Wijnaldum gets the nod for me considering the personnel Liverpool will be up against in Spurs’ midfield.
The likes of Mousa Sissoko, Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama are hardly quick and nibble operators.
They tend to be sluggish in possession and don’t make up ground as quickly as the likes of Wijnaldum can.
Combine this with the duo of Henderson and Wijnaldum pressing them relentlessly and Spurs could have a big problem.
When you apply these same traits to Spurs’ midfield when they have to defend, it’s equally as problematic.
Liverpool are well known for their blistering course attacks, and the midfield really play a big part in that.
The midfield helps to spring defence into attack and support the blistering fast front three and Gini’s integral to that.
One of his two goals against Barcelona in the semis came from him bursting from deep to support the attack.
This dynamism in from middle can help to break the lines of Spurs’ midfield and defence and sway the final.
Plus, using Gini from the start means that Klopp can opt to sure things up later on by introducing Milner.
Milner’s experience and wisdom of these occasions could help Liverpool see the result out in the later stages of the game.
But using Gini in the same context may not have the same effect – despite his incredible substitute appearance against Barcelona.
Milner tends to have more impact from the bench and is incredibly versatile, so could the ace up Klopp’s sleeve.
It is a tough call between the two, but Wijnaldum just edges it – especially based on recent performances.
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