04 May 2017 20:06:43
Ed01 I was listening to a podcast, a bunch of guys that do stats on every game pretty interesting. One stat stood out for me. Wijnaldum has the least amount of touches on average when playing teams outside the top six. However against the top six teams he touches the ball 20 more times on average. Against Watford he touched the ball 40 times, the least of any player that played more than 60 minutes. I know it's stats but what is your opinion on Gini? He does seem to go missing but I obviously can't see runs off the ball, defence positioning etc. What is everyone's opinion on Gini so far? I love him sometimes and other times I forget he is on the pitch.
{Ed001's Note - I think he is growing into the team. The amount of touches is irrelevant, against the lesser sides we have more space and control of the ball, so the ball tends to end up with the ball carriers and players while he makes forward runs to create space for them to work. Whereas he sits deeper against the top six, so gets more of the ball, rather than doing the unselfish work of making space and dragging people out of position.
To be honest, the touch map, heat map and touches of the ball stats are pretty much irrelevant.}
04 May 2017 21:12:25
Thanks Edd, I know stats like those, on its own is irrelevant, just found it interesting. Gini is not the type of player every fan appreciates. his one touch passing and strength on the ball is very important to how we play. Once again thanks for your response, its always good to get different opinions if you're willing to learn.
{Ed001's Note - that is what I like about him, he doesn't tend to dwell on the ball, he is always looking to move it on quickly. If you move the ball quickly, you don't have to have pace to open up defences. I think it was Paisley that used to say to let the ball do the running.}
04 May 2017 22:28:34
I think that Gini will improve a lot next season, I get the impression that he needs to give the ball to a better team mate, next season, he will have more confidence . he will turn out to be a really good player for us .
04 May 2017 23:06:18
I commented a while back when asked for player of the season that I can understand Mane and Couts getting the nod, but that a player like Gini is only missed when he's out, much like Hendo. He'd be one of the first players on the sheet for me. Wasn't overly impressed with his first half dozen games or so, but he's been so consistent since then.
05 May 2017 09:05:38
Wijnaldum needs to add goals to his names to be called a top top CM.
05 May 2017 10:51:11
Could someone explain what is his role in Klopp's system. Apparently my understanding is limited and any opinions would be highly appreciated.
05 May 2017 10:58:06
I really like Gini, I think he's going to be a big players for us next season, but I do think he steps off the gas against the 'lesser' teams, I've noticed it a few times that he seems a bit sluggish against them, first touch is sloppy and he always wants to shift the ball and responsibility onto someone else. Hopefully its just a case of finding his feet and his place in the team and it won't happen as much next season.
05 May 2017 11:15:24
Would you say he's justified the price we payed for him? And has he exceeded your expectations?
05 May 2017 20:00:38
Harry, Gini's role will not flash on MOTD highlight reels BUT to only those who watch him closely, will see all the dirty work and good work he does on and off the ball.
His role is to make sure we keep possession of the ball in midfield and keep it moving. He repertoire is the same as Joe Allen's BUT more versatile as he is MUCH better than Allen.
Wij can play the B2B role easily as that was his role at PSV and Newcastle and with Holland at the last WC in Brazil. He has shown that he can score and assist (5 goals and 6/ 7 assists in all competitions) as well as get forward to support the attack, all the thinks Allen could never do here. It is a new role for him but he is adapting well and growing into the position. The hope is that he gets better.