Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum was certainly not the only poor performer against Real Madrid last night, but after being handed the captain’s armband, the Dutchman failed to lead with any real authority.
In the first half, in particular, the 29-year-old was simply bypassed and he seemed to be completely devoid of energy. Things did improve after the interval but fans on Twitter were venting their frustration at Wijnaldum after the game:
Very poor performance from Gini, especially as captain. Still baffled as to why someone to refuses to commit his future to the club wears the armband when we have committed leaders like Fabinho & Robbo in the side
— Daz Garmey (@DarrenGarmey) April 6, 2021
Learn to pass the ball forward lad
— Jack (@jackjohnhenry) April 6, 2021
Gini was appalling.
— YNWA❤? (@LeonAnd38236123) April 6, 2021
Get him out of our club!
— J17 #FSGOUT (@CUR17S) April 6, 2021
i don’t know what happen , but gini and mane is stupidly below par,
— jimmysay (@jimbotalkobey) April 6, 2021
His mind already wants to get out of Liverpool.That is how he does not play optimally.Just keep him until the end of the season.
— Ang_Gaara92 (@Anggara16126514) April 7, 2021
Gini, Milner should move on..we need players who are hungry to win.
— supremo (@kopxerxes) April 6, 2021
Sign a new contract or ? ?
— Gavin Hodge (@Gavstar79) April 7, 2021
Wijnaldum’s contract situation is certainly a major bone of contention. He has played almost every game for the Reds this season, seemingly having the complete trust of manager Jurgen Klopp, and yet his current deal expires in the summer.
Especially in the first 45 minutes, there could be questions raised about his commitment to the cause, although he did make up for it somewhat with his contribution to Mo Salah’s goal. Like many of his teammates, though, he simply didn’t turn up until the game was effectively out of reach.