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WE MUST SEEK TO STOP WILJNALDUM SAYS BRIGHTON

Liverpool v Brighton

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has found a new role for Georginio Wijnaldum during the early stages of 2018/19.

Widely regarded as a box-to-box operator, he has impressed as the main holding midfielder ahead of new signing Fabinho and club captain Jordan Henderson.

"I think it went well [playing in a three with Naby Keita and James Milner]," Wijnaldum told Liverpool's official website.

"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, but when you’re playing in that position it’s not always possible so you have to keep the balance between the attackers and the two No 8s and the defence."
Rapid passing

He may be operating in the centre of a midfield three, but Wijnaldum is not a combative ball-winner.

He has won just two tackles and made only one interception across the opening 180 minutes of the campaign.

Instead, his job is to keep the ball moving as smoothly as possible.

Taking limited touches, the 27-year-old is excellent at helping Liverpool pull opponents around with their fast-tempo passing.

He is a quick and efficient distributor of the ball.

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