Report: Gini Wijnaldum leaving buys 2 teammates a golden chance

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Gini Wijnaldum is almost certainly leaving Liverpool this summer. His exit is set to buy two teammates a golden chance.

This comes from the Telegraph. They claim that Gini Wijnaldum leaving this summer creates a decision for Liverpool.

Well, that much is obvious but the interesting part is how the Reds plan on tackling it. Instead of signing a replacement, Liverpool may count on players already at the club to step up.

One of these is Curtis Jones and we think it’s a smart decision to put extra faith in the Scouser. But there are two more – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita.

So let’s have a look at what it means for those two.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Oxlade-Chamberlain is certainly a very different player to Wijnaldum. Jurgen Klopp wouldn’t ask him to play the same role.

Instead, Oxlade-Chamberlain thrives on counter-attacking. He wants to get the ball and drive with it, bursting through midfield to get Liverpool going.

So with that in mind, he’s not going to fill the disciplined, possession role that Wijnaldum vacates. Perhaps, then, it’s a sign that Klopp wants to be a bit more versatile with his midfield selections.

Though, the reality is that Oxlade-Chamberlain would not play anywhere near as often as Wijnaldum has. For one, he’ll split the minutes alongside Jones and Keita. But there’s also Thiago.

Thiago, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson will almost certainly be the preferred trio next year. Providing they remain fit, the other midfield options will be rotation players.

And perhaps that suits Oxlade-Chamberlain. He’s struggled for fitness over the last few seasons – being a ‘role player’ in this squad may well suit him.

If the injuries do catch up again, though, Liverpool will surely consider his future. That’s the catch with being a piece in the plan, rather than a star.

Naby Keita

We’re very, very interested to see what Liverpool do with Keita next season. He’s been the one major transfer that hasn’t really worked out under Klopp, with the Guinean failing to tie down a first-XI spot.

Well, now’s his chance. Keita is versatile enough to cover the Wijnaldum role and if Liverpool back him with games, he could make it his own.

But this comes after reports that Keita has his representatives approach Atletico Madrid over a potential move. He may not be entirely happy at Anfield and, allegedly, doesn’t see a future there.

Perhaps a bigger role post-Wijnaldum wins him back around, though. Or maybe this is the season things finally click for Keita. He’s undoubtedly a very, very talented player but we just haven’t seen it with any consistency.

Liverpool, though, appear ready to back him with games next season. It will surely be his final chance to become the player we all thought he would be.