Former Liverpool Midfielder Gini Wijnaldum Handed The Al Ettifaq Captain’s Armband to Replace Former Liverpool Midfielder Jordan Henderson
Steven Gerrard has turned to a familiar face from his former club to replace the departed Jordan Henderson as captain. Dutch international Gini Wijnaldum will wear the captain’s armband for the remainder of the season.
The English Premier League and UEFA Champions League winner was an obvious choice, given his work rate and desire to make everyone around him play better. After Liverpool sold him to PSG, he failed to impress in the French capital and was loaned to AS Roma in Serie A. At Roma, Gini suffered a tibia fracture injury that kept him out for most of the season.
At Al Ettifaq, he’s gained consistency and stayed injury-free for most games. In 14 appearances, Gini has delivered five goals and two assists. Given the disjointed nature of the team and the absence of clinical finishers in the Ettifaq squad, his assists have been limited. Gerrard will hope that his new status as the squad leader will push him to inspire his teammates to rise to his level and turn things around.
