This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
Liverpool fans will have enjoyed the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.
The Reds brushed aside their opponents, winning 5-2 thanks to a brace from Divock Origi, as well as goals from Sadio Mane, Xherdan Shaqiri and Georginio Wijnaldum. As such, they have now extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 32 matches in a row – a new club-record – whilst they also restored their lead at the top of the table to eight points.
In this match, Jurgen Klopp tried out a new formation, using a 4-2-3-1 set-up for the first time in the league this season (the only other occasion in which he used this tactic was in the EFL Cup thriller against Arsenal). In the middle were James Milner and Wijnaldum, and it seemed to get the best out of the latter.
Defensively, the £45m-valued Netherlands international was as solid as ever. As per Sofascore, he made three clearances, two interceptions and one tackle, whilst he also won nine of the 14 duels he took part in. Whilst the tackling statistic was similar to the number he has produced so far this campaign (1.1 per game), he was even better in regards to his season averages for the other two defensive aspects (1.1 clearances and 0.7 interceptions per game respectively).
However, it was going forward where he looked particularly impressive though. He managed two shots – more than his 1.3 average this campaign – and his goal was just his third strike of the season in all competitions. Not only that, he attempted three dribbles, and completed two of them – again, far more than his 0.8 this season. He even managed a key pass, which represented another increase compared to what he has usually managed this term (0.3).
No clues: Can you name the season these iconic Liverpool images belong to?
So far this campaign, the 29-year-old has been restricted in regards to what he can do. His form for the Netherlands – he scored eight goals during Euro 2020 qualifying, which was the most for the Oranje – led to some fans urging Klopp to let him loose for his club, too. Playing as part of a two in midfield against the Goodison Park outfit, Wijnaldum was given far more responsibility, both defensively and offensively, and he appeared to relish it. Whilst it remains to be seen whether this is a formation we will see more regularly of in the future, the former Newcastle man may be hoping it becomes a frequent occurrence.
In other news, Liverpool fans love one man’s display against Everton.
