Dutch star Georginio Wijnaldum, midfielder for Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, revealed in exclusive statements to Al-Midan Al-Riyadi that he prefers to play in the advanced playmaker position (number 10), a role that gives him greater freedom in the attacking third of the field, noting that this position is radically different from the tasks he performed during his golden period with English club Liverpool.
Wijnaldum explained that he is fully committed to the coach's instructions and fulfilling his defensive duties, but finds greater enjoyment in playing deeper attacking positions. "I have to do my defensive work, but at the same time I have the freedom to play deeper," he said, adding that he also enjoys playing the all-round box-to-box role and has adapted to the attacking roles he has been asked to play throughout his long professional career.
Historical background: From European champion to Roshan League star
Wijnaldum's move to the Saudi Professional League in the summer of 2023 comes as part of a historic wave of transfers that has seen some of the biggest names in world football join Saudi clubs. After a successful career in Europe, starting with Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, then Newcastle United, and finally achieving global stardom with Liverpool where he won the Champions League and the Premier League, and having stints with Paris Saint-Germain and Roma, Wijnaldum chose to join Al-Ettifaq's project under the leadership of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
Tactical comparison: Klopp's dialogue and a different role at Liverpool
Wijnaldum also spoke about his previous experience with Liverpool, revealing details of his conversation with German coach Jürgen Klopp about his position. He said, “Klopp told me we wouldn’t play with an extra number 10, and asked me to play as a number 8 or sometimes a number 6. He was convinced I would be useful to the team in that position.” Wijnaldum explained that he succeeded in this role and contributed to the team’s significant achievements, emphasizing that he didn’t want to complain despite preferring to play closer to the attacking third. He added, “We succeeded in our style, and everyone was happy.”.
The Dutch player pointed out that having a lethal attacking trio like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino provided the team with quick attacking solutions, which meant the midfielders' role was more focused on balance and support. He continued: “I had a lot of freedom at Liverpool, and back then there were Salah, Mane, and Firmino. They could reach the goal faster than you or the coach.”.
Expected impact on the agreement and the Saudi League
With Al-Ettifaq, Wijnaldum finds himself in a different tactical system that allows him to push forward more, which has positively impacted his goal-scoring record compared to his first season. He explained that the difference in systems between teams is reflected in roles and responsibilities. This shift is not only important for the player, but also for Al-Ettifaq, which relies on his experience and attacking abilities to achieve its ambitions in the Roshan League. Wijnaldum concluded by emphasizing that "a different position means different duties, and this is the real difference between his roles in different seasons.".
