Topic: Brazilian Porn Review Topic (Warning: may contain Wijnaldum)

[Dim Glas]

He's amazing. And that run late on down the wing    He's a monster.

[Chalky Boots]

That run second half. Honestly wanted him to take it all the way past Rabiot, could have been a wonder goal.

[RedSince86]

Brilliant yet again.

Gone up another level this season.

[Ravishing Rick Dude]

Great ability and mentality.

[Clint Eastwood]

Big games at Anfield. He loves them.

[RyanBabel19]

People focused solely on the stupid challenge on him for the penalty but fuck me the drag and following 2 touches when faced up by about 4 PSG players was sumptuous

Gini has been our best player so far this season in my opinion. Getting that no away goals in the league tag off his back must have been a great feeling too and what an important time to do it just like the one last season in the CL

[Yorkykopite]

This lad is a footballer. A true Liverpool player in the Stevenson, McDermott, Whelan mould. And the fella is just brimming with self-belief now. I wouldn’t swap him for anyone in the world.

[Giono]

Nobody is mentioning stealing the ball from Mbappe in front of our box. Gold.

[Kansti]

Reaching new heights at the moment. Becoming one of the most important players in our squad

[Nick110581]

He’s magnificent.

He just needs to believe it.

[Gutzon Borglum]

At the moment he is the best midfielder in our squad for me. Probably the most underrated player in the Premier League.

[KurtVerbose]

At the moment he is the best midfielder in our squad for me. Probably the most underrated player in the Premier League.

Yes, I've never understood why so many people here think he'll be the first to be dropped. He's got a good engine on him, he's tactically very astute (probably our best player for that), and technically very good. He's also flexible, playing anywhere from advanced midfielder to central defender.

[Zlen]

Incredible transformation.

[T.Mills]

I like this Gini!

[BazC]

Van Dijk has also helped him immensely. He’s got another Dutch tactical master next to him, so doesn’t need to go around putting out fires all over the place anymore as he’s got tactical acumen behind him now. The freedom it’s given him to express himself further up the pitch is great to watch. He’s going to be great this season.

[arab88]

What a player!!! Love the lad...He has been outstanding for us this season. I had a good laugh last summer when some clown was chatting sh*t about the possibility of Gini leaving us.

May it continue...

[wige]

Little frustrating seeing the number of posts saying that he's stepped up, transformed etc. Just continuing his trend of putting in big performances in big games for us which had been his MO since season one.

Huge player for us. Superb protector of the football, brilliant at relieving pressure and defending space.

[1892tillforever]

I was watching the game in the pub last night and heard TWO guys said they didn't rate Gini. Sadly, one was a Liverpool fan.

I honestly don't know what people watch when looking at football matches...

[Qston]

Absolutely superb last night. MOTM for me. He really is developing into a fabulous midfielder. The way he protects the ball, keeps it simple when necessary, has a burst of pace to get past a man and his positioning generally show that he is a top class player. Long may it continue.

[clinical]

To think some thought we'd sell him to Fenerbahce.

[SlowRap]

First name on the team sheet when it comes to picking the midfield, not many would have thought this in the summer. It's now Gini + 2 others.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

Little frustrating seeing the number of posts saying that he's stepped up, transformed etc. Just continuing his trend of putting in big performances in big games for us which had been his MO since season one.

He's certainly always been consistent in big games for us, but last night was on a different level to anything we've seen IMO. He completed more passes than Milner and Henderson, and had more touches than Henderson. That isn't something we're used to seeing. He was constantly available.

Of course, what we are used to seeing is him using the ball wisely and helping us move up the pitch when he does receive it. In games of transition he probably is the first name on the team-sheet.

[NaivetyinBlack]

Try getting the ball off him when he is in this touch !

Thing is, its nothing new as a player. He's just changed his position and has the luxury of possessing a brain which gives him an extra 2-3 seconds at least, when in possession. Technique, strength and a little bit of dutch flair.

Player of the season until now for me.

[tubby]

He was unbelievable last night, all over the pitch.

[wige]

He's certainly always been consistent in big games for us, but last night was on a different level to anything we've seen IMO. He completed more passes than Milner and Henderson, and had more touches than Henderson. That isn't something we're used to seeing. He was constantly available.

Of course, what we are used to seeing is him using the ball wisely and helping us move up the pitch when he does receive it. In games of transition he probably is the first name on the team-sheet.

I think this is more to do with the solidity behind him than him not being capable beforehand, and I'm not even sure it's that much of a difference in the first place, maybe a case of the most recent memories being the clearest? I remember huge, game winning performances from him against Chelsea and City (scored the winner on new years eve vs City) in the 16/17 season, throughout the CL run last year. It's not a new thing to see him in possession near the oppos box, or holding it wide, supporting overloads, running beyond (see game clinching third versus Arsenal) all while consistently being in the right position, running his nuts off game in game out, protecting the ball with the worlds best footballing back side.

Maybe I'm biased cos I love his smile, but Gini has been hitting these levels before this season. Maybe it's the consistency so far this year, I don't know - but I think that's because we've had a fair few tough games - Palace, Spurs, PSG (Leicester I'd include, but actually thought he wasn't at yesterday's level in that one)

[nico 8]

What a player!!! Love the lad...He has been outstanding for us this season. I had a good laugh last summer when some clown was chatting sh*t about the possibility of Gini leaving us.

May it continue...

Some clown - singular.
Not going to mention names but there were too many posters who failed to see Gini's ability and what he brings to the team, why Klopp continued to select him. I think he was 3rd in most played minutes. Not someone who Klopp would be looking to dispose of. At best, it was said, he is a squad player. He will play +40 games this season.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

I think this is more to do with the solidity behind him than him not being capable beforehand, and I'm not even sure it's that much of a difference in the first place, maybe a case of the most recent memories being the clearest? I remember huge, game winning performances from him against Chelsea and City (scored the winner on new years eve vs City) in the 16/17 season, throughout the CL run last year. It's not a new thing to see him in possession near the oppos box, or holding it wide, supporting overloads, running beyond (see game clinching third versus Arsenal) all while consistently being in the right position, running his nuts off game in game out, protecting the ball with the worlds best footballing back side.

Maybe I'm biased cos I love his smile, but Gini has been hitting these levels before this season. Maybe it's the consistency so far this year, I don't know - but I think that's because we've had a fair few tough games - Palace, Spurs, PSG (Leicester I'd include, but actually thought he wasn't at yesterday's level in that one)

Like I said, I agree he's been brilliant in big games for us throughout his time here. My friends and I have long nicknamed him BGG (Big Game Gini) such is the contrast between his performances when we have space to transition into, and those when we don't.

What is different right now is that he is simply doing those things you rightly mention in the bold more often, by getting on the ball more. I don't think I've ever seen him have more touches than both of his midfield partners before.

I agree on the tough game thing too. Saturday will be interesting. Does Klopp drop Gini back into the 6 against a side who will likely sit deep? I would.

[nico 8]

I think this is more to do with the solidity behind him than him not being capable beforehand, and I'm not even sure it's that much of a difference in the first place, maybe a case of the most recent memories being the clearest? I remember huge, game winning performances from him against Chelsea and City (scored the winner on new years eve vs City) in the 16/17 season, throughout the CL run last year. It's not a new thing to see him in possession near the oppos box, or holding it wide, supporting overloads, running beyond (see game clinching third versus Arsenal) all while consistently being in the right position, running his nuts off game in game out, protecting the ball with the worlds best footballing back side.

Maybe I'm biased cos I love his smile, but Gini has been hitting these levels before this season. Maybe it's the consistency so far this year, I don't know - but I think that's because we've had a fair few tough games - Palace, Spurs, PSG (Leicester I'd include, but actually thought he wasn't at yesterday's level in that one)

Totally agree.

[wige]

Like I said, I agree he's been brilliant in big games for us throughout his time here. My friends and I have long nicknamed him BGG (Big Game Gini) such is the contrast between his performances when we have space to transition into, and those when we don't.

What is different right now is that he is simply doing those things you rightly mention in the bold more often, by getting on the ball more. I don't think I've ever seen him have more touches than both of his midfield partners before.

I agree on the tough game thing too. Saturday will be interesting. Does Klopp drop Gini back into the 6 against a side who will likely sit deep? I would.

Maybe someone has the stats to show it, but my point is that he's been doing those things in loads of games, for a long time. Whether to the same volume? I'm not sure - but I reckon he's hit these heights a fair few times before. Note - this argument/point is more directed at those that have been saying "he's started doing it now" or "has stepped up" or "isn't hiding". Another couple of examples that sprang to mind - Arsenal away first game of 16/17 - in the box and perfect pass for Lallana I think to score. Leicester at home a few games later - same - gets ball in box, protects it, plays pass for Lallana to smash into top corner. I'm sure I could go on and on.

Re Saturday, I have no idea. I think our midfield - and this is more of listening to others on here - is more about everyone being able to do everything. You see Milner, for example, popping up all over the place - right wing in the first minute versus Spurs, then stints filling at right and left full back as well as smashing into people and pressing from all "three" midfield positions. Gini the same. If anything it's Henderson that has a more restricted role, and even that involves him moving into the right hand half space, especially when the ball is cleared from their box - he put a delightful ball into The Colossus who tried to knock down to - who else - Gini who was loitering near the penalty spot.

Gini is boss. So are nearly all of our first 18 now. It means that players HAVE to maintain form and attitude to keep their place. I'd be confident whichever three line up in the middle. Especially versus Southampton. Think Keita comes back in for one of them though.

[kavah]

This lad is a footballer. A true Liverpool player in the Stevenson, McDermott, Whelan mould. And the fella is just brimming with self-belief now. I wouldn’t swap him for anyone in the world.

 Of course I know him from poring over old programmes, especially the Inter Semi-Final one from 65. But I don't know him as a player at all, so I googled him and came across this excellent piece by Keith Perkins on This is Anfield. 4 mins 17 secs to 4:34 mins  there are two little pieces of pure Gini / Willie footballing skills - Great Shout


https://www.thisisanfield.com/2008/09/forgotten-hero-willie-stevenson/
And Roy Hendo's thread about Willie
https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=238162.0

[PIPA23]

yep... buying VVD, Alisson..bringing Naby and Shaq means he knows he has competition but at the same time knows we can achieve big things with proper world class players...

imo buying VVD especially improved us well beyond the price tag...in all aspects on and off the pitch...

also Gini already is much more than i ever expected him to be when we bought him from Newcastle...only if he could score some goals as he used to back in PSV...

[christofu]

Maybe someone has the stats to show it, but my point is that he's been doing those things in loads of games, for a long time. Whether to the same volume? I'm not sure - but I reckon he's hit these heights a fair few times before. Note - this argument/point is more directed at those that have been saying "he's started doing it now" or "has stepped up" or "isn't hiding". Another couple of examples that sprang to mind - Arsenal away first game of 16/17 - in the box and perfect pass for Lallana I think to score. Leicester at home a few games later - same - gets ball in box, protects it, plays pass for Lallana to smash into top corner. I'm sure I could go on and on.

Re Saturday, I have no idea. I think our midfield - and this is more of listening to others on here - is more about everyone being able to do everything. You see Milner, for example, popping up all over the place - right wing in the first minute versus Spurs, then stints filling at right and left full back as well as smashing into people and pressing from all "three" midfield positions. Gini the same. If anything it's Henderson that has a more restricted role, and even that involves him moving into the right hand half space, especially when the ball is cleared from their box - he put a delightful ball into The Colossus who tried to knock down to - who else - Gini who was loitering near the penalty spot.

Gini is boss. So are nearly all of our first 18 now. It means that players HAVE to maintain form and attitude to keep their place. I'd be confident whichever three line up in the middle. Especially versus Southampton. Think Keita comes back in for one of them though.

good post

I think he is just taking more responsibility, playing with more confidence and owning his area of the pitch and therefore taking things to the next level. Quite possibly the chat with Klopp in the summer helped. But yes, agreed he has been doing most of these things for the past couple of years.

I think its hard to talk about individuals in isolation to the unit and the midfield 3 has had some lovely symmetry - yesterday with Milner causing as much trouble on the other side for example. Fullbacks stretching the play and playing with aggression, a centre back pairing and goalkeeper who are comfortable on the ball. We can go down either side with equal devastation, and look defensively solid on both sides. Its a wonderful time 

[Xabi Gerrard]

Dutch Redondo

[Hazell]

Dutch Redondo

I'm sold! He was the best player on the pitch yesterday at both ends and probably been our best player so far this season.

[BabuYagu]

I was watching the game in the pub last night and heard TWO guys said they didn't rate Gini. Sadly, one was a Liverpool fan.

I honestly don't know what people watch when looking at football matches...

[Spanish Al]

Little frustrating seeing the number of posts saying that he's stepped up, transformed etc. Just continuing his trend of putting in big performances in big games for us which had been his MO since season one.

Huge player for us. Superb protector of the football, brilliant at relieving pressure and defending space.

Agree. Gini has always been this player. This isn't new or any new found confidence. People just haven't seen it before.

He could take it up another level though, he's that good. I just think someone needs to shake the lad and tell him.

[Wingman]

I was watching the game in the pub last night and heard TWO guys said they didn't rate Gini. Sadly, one was a Liverpool fan.

I honestly don't know what people watch when looking at football matches...

The ball. Where it goes and who kicked it. Simple people see the game very simply

[Johns_Barn]

My MOTM in the CL opener. Beautiful beautiful man.

[Giono]

It was so unusual to see him being subbed off. He js usually one of our best players in closing out matches. 

[GreatEx]

My mum could have closed out that match.