Wijnaldum happy to play in deeper role for Liverpool

Wijnaldum started both of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season in a withdrawn midfield role, tasked with protecting a back line featuring Virgil van Dijk but missing the experienced Dejan Lovren due to a pelvic injury.

Wijnaldum happy to play in deeper role for Liverpool

(Reuters)





"It's more difficult than it looks because sometimes on the pitch I also want to run forward and to help the attack as well and even score a goal," Wijnaldum told the club's website.

"But when you're playing in that position it's not always possible so you have to keep the balance... but I enjoy playing in that position, it's going quite well."

Wijnaldum anchored Liverpool's midfield in their season-opening 4-0 home win over West Ham and his composure in the role was more evident in the 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Monday.

The 27-year-old is, however, welcoming the increased competition for a places in Juergen Klopp's side this season with Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Adam Lallana and Naby Keita all vying for starting spots in a three-man midfield.

"Yes, I think (the competition is there) especially at the start of the season because everyone wants to play, everyone is fit and fresh so everyone is fighting for their place and I think that's a good thing," Wijnaldum added.

"It's always good if the manager trusts you and it's always good if he tries to help you to become a better player, or in this case to make the next step. I'm always happy with that."

Liverpool will look to continue their perfect start to the season when they host Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield on Saturday.





(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by John O'Brien)


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world