Are Liverpool likely to see Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum start together?

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It has been either one of Emre Can or Georginio Wijnaldum but will Liverpool line up with both with all options available?

One of the early season selection decisions Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has had to make has been how his midfield has lined up. At the start of the season he opted for a midfield three of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana.

Lately Emre Can has come into the fold, with Wijnaldum being the man to drop out. Earlier on in the season, it seemed Can would struggle to get into the side, and his chances of being a regular starter were not helped by an ankle injury he picked up in an EFL Cup tie against Burton Albion in August.

Then when Wijnaldum was injured on international duty with the Netherlands, Can was given his opportunity against Manchester United. Some were of the opinion the German had a poor game, even if he did grow into it at times. But there have been notable improvements in wins over West Bromwich Albion and against Crystal Palace where he found the net.

The midfield with either player starting seems to work effectively. Liverpool seem to get the drive they require from both players, even if they do have different styles.

Can seems to have been selected for games where more of a physical presence has been required. In games against Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace, these are sides that have a pretty big physical presence.

At the moment, it seems that it is one or the other for Liverpool when all of Klopp’s midfield options are available to him. Although there have been moments when they have both been on the field at the same time. Wijnaldum took the place of Lallana in the latter stages of the games against West Brom and Crystal Palace – suggesting that if he is to play another role in the midfield set-up, it would be that of Lallana’s.

But given how integral Lallana has become to the way the Reds press the ball, and how the midfield operates, it would seem it is going to be one or the other for a while. That is unless Can is forced to drop into a deeper role currently occupied by Henderson at some point this season.

If all Liverpool’s midfield options are available, we should expect either one of Can or Wijnaldum to be selected to make up the Reds’ trio.