Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that it’s ‘clear’ Georginio Wijnaldum is ‘almost certain’ to leave Liverpool.
The former striker thinks Liverpool should replace their soon-to-be-out-of-contract midfielder with Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse.
Amid all the problems for Liverpool this season, one player who has been a regular in the middle of their park has been their £25 million Dutch star (BBC Sport).
Wijnaldum is an underrated figure in this Liverpool side, and in the Premier League as a whole, as Crooks feels he should be replaced by another under-appreciated player doing great work in the midfield.
“This lad (Ward-Prowse) has been unfortunate not to appear in my team more often this season,” said Crooks.
“I am convinced Southampton would be in serious trouble were it not for James Ward-Prowse.
“We know he can take a free-kick and that he is capable of covering the ground, but he also has a superb temperament. The Saints had no-one better to take their penalty under their current circumstances. His contribution against Sheffield United thereafter was immense.
“It’s clear Georginio Wijnaldum is almost certain to leave Liverpool at the end of the season for Barcelona. I can’t think of a better replacement than Ward-Prowse.”
Liverpool’s transfer guru Michael Edwards probably has Southampton’s number on speed dial, that’s how much business they have done together in recent years.
But it would be a surprise if they ever pushed for Ward-Prowse’s signaute.
In terms of effort off the ball and his dead-ball ability, he suits Liverpool down to the ground, but with Curtis Jones coming through, this Reds side don’t need another midfield player unless a number of them are heading for the exit door.
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