Data suggests Klopp should sign ‘superb’ £25m player to finally replace Wijnaldum at Liverpool – journalist

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Data suggests Liverpool should sign Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock as a direct replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, who left the club in 2021.

That’s according to The Athletic journalist Jacob Whitehead, who claims that the 23-year-old statistically compares to the Dutchman, who the Reds have failed to replace since his departure.

As per The Athletic’s report, only two central midfielders with 500-plus minutes this season are above average for ball retention, link-up play volume and defending impact.

The first was Barcelona’s Pedri, who is seemingly committed to a career with the Catalan giants.

However, secondly was Willock, who currently plays for Newcastle.

The data illustrates that the Toon man statistically compares to Wijnaldum for the aforementioned criteria.

Furthermore, although the 23-year-old is below the former Red for his defensive impact, he blows him out of the water for various attacking stats.

This includes receptions in the box, shooting often, creativity from ball possession and contributing to his team’s chances.

Willock now closely compared to Wijnaldum

Having arrived from Arsenal in 2021 in a deal worth £25m, Willock has been extremely impressive for Eddie Howe’s side this season. Thus far, he has played in every Premier League game this term, in which he has scored twice and provided two assists.

As evidently shown, Liverpool are in desperate need of midfield additions this month.

Having allowed Wijnaldum to leave upon the expiry of his contract in the summer of 2021, the Reds have never fully replaced the 32-year-old.

Although Fabinho has held down the role as the side’s defensive midfielder, the Dutchman was used more as a box-to-box midfielder who would win the ball back and turn possession over.

Ever since his departure, it has become abundantly clear the Merseyside outfit are missing a player possessing this type of profile.

Therefore, with Pedri off the table, Liverpool should look at Willock in greater detail. Hailed by pundit Garth Crooks as a ‘superb’ player, he could be the man to bring back stability to the Reds’ midfield.