Georginio Wijnaldum was almost dropped for Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool, according to reports.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle boss Steve McClaren almost dropped Georginio Wijnaldum for the game against Liverpool, before making a last-minute change.
The Magpies were thoroughly expected to lose against Jurgen Klopp’s resurgent Liverpool on Sunday, but a virtuoso display from Wijnaldum handed Newcastle a much-needed win.
A summer signing from PSV Eindhoven, Wijnaldum won the Dutch Player of the Year award and smashed four goals in the 6-2 win over Norwich City, and he again proved his class against Liverpool.
Wijnaldum’s shot was diverted in to the net by Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel for the opening goal, before he met Moussa Sissoko’s pass in injury time to beat Simon Mignolet and seal a 2-0 win.
However, reports emerged after the game that Wijnaldum almost didn’t play, as the Daily Mail report that McClaren almost dropped him to the bench.
Having disappointed in Newcastle’s 5-1 loss at Crystal Palace last weekend, Wijnaldum was allegedly set to be dropped in favour of Kevin Mbabu, and club insiders thought Wijnaldum was on the bench as late as Sunday afternoon.
For whatever reason, McClaren seemingly changed his mind at the last minute, bringing Wijnaldum back in to his starting line-up – and it may be a decision that saves his job as Newcastle boss, given that the midfielder handed the Magpies a vital win.
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