Will Wijnaldum’s signing spell the end for Lallana at Liverpool?

Adam Lallana: Fighting off Georginio Wijnaldum

Georginio Wijnaldum’s arrival at Liverpool is likely to spell bad news for Adam Lallana – with the stats suggesting he’s the player most vulnerable to the axe at Anfield.

The Holland midfielder, who scored 11 goals from his advanced role at Newcastle last season, is poised to join the Reds after a £25million deal was agreed between the clubs.

And with Wijnaldum joining the likes of Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and other new signing Sadio Mane in the attacking midfield ranks, Lallana’s place under Jurgen Klopp looks most at risk once the Dutchman signs on the dotted line.

Oulala Games have taken a look at the stats to see how the pair compared in the Premier League last season.

Wijnaldum v Lallana info graphic

 

And with Newcastle man scoring more goals (11 v 4), converting more of his chances (20% v 9%) and having a better shot accuracy (71% v 52%) the stats very obviously show how Liverpool will be upgrading their goal threat with the £25million addition of Wijnaldum.

In addition, the Dutchman also betters the Englishman when it comes to pass completion rate and successful passes per game.

Lallana, however, did have more assists to his name last season (six v five), while the former Saints man created an average of 1.6 chances per game, compared to the Newcastle man’s 1.3.

Reds boss Klopp has often gone on record to state his appreciation of Lallana’s workrate for Liverpool, and while Firmino could operate in a more advanced role, it’ll be interesting to see who gets left out of the Liverpool line-up once a deal for Wijnaldum is completed.