Former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum has showcased his enduring versatility by scoring twice as a striker for Al-Ettifaq during the team's 2-2 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo's league-leading Al-Nassr
Theo Squires Liverpool FC Writer
11:59, 02 Jan 2026
Gini Wijnaldum now plays in the Saudi Pro League
Gini Wijnaldum now plays in the Saudi Pro League(Image: Getty Images)
Several of Liverpool's players have demonstrated their adaptability this season, stepping up to fill in for injured teammates under Arne Slot's management.
The most notable example is Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been deployed as a makeshift right-back on multiple occasions during the 2025-26 campaign. Versatility is a valued trait at Liverpool, a characteristic that was highly appreciated during Jurgen Klopp's tenure.
Joe Gomez, for instance, was deployed across the back four and as a defensive midfielder in Klopp's final season at Anfield. Under Klopp's management, the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Xherdan Shaqiri, Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo were all used in more than one position.
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However, the most striking example of versatility is arguably Gini Wijnaldum. A glance at his Transfermarkt profile reveals a player who has covered every outfield position, except for the full-back roles, during his senior career.
Snapped up from Newcastle in the summer of 2016 following the team's relegation to the Championship, he had shone as an attacking midfielder for the Magpies - either centrally or on the left.
At Liverpool, however, he was primarily used as a No. 8, with the No. 6 role being his second most frequent. He also demonstrated his adaptability by occasionally playing on the flanks, in a more advanced midfield role, as a false nine, and even at center-back.
Wijnaldum played a key role in Liverpool's success under Jurgen Klopp
Wijnaldum played a key role in Liverpool's success under Jurgen Klopp(Image: Getty Images)
Despite consistently demonstrating his prowess as a goal-scoring No. 10 on international duty with the Netherlands, Liverpool fans were often puzzled by Klopp's hesitation to utilize Wijnaldum in such a role at Anfield.
But considering Wijnaldum's crucial contribution from a more defensive position during his time at Anfield, aiding Liverpool in securing the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and European Super Cup titles, it's hard to dispute Klopp's strategy.
However, now plying his trade with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, the 35-year-old has found himself thrust into an attacking role once more.
Wijnaldum has been required to demonstrate his adaptability for the club this campaign. Most of his appearances have come in a forward position, though he's also been deployed as an attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder and left midfielder on occasions.
His record up top has been impressive, with the Dutchman bagging five goals in five matches in that position this season, including a double during Ettifaq's 2-2 stalemate with league leader Al-Nassr on Tuesday.
Coming up against the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman, the draw represented the first occasion any team had claimed points from Al-Nassr in the league this entire season. Wijnaldum kicked off the scoring for Ettifaq with a spectacular long-range shot into the top corner, only for Felix to level the score shortly after half-time.
Al-Nassr then took the lead in the 67th minute when Ronaldo's close-range attempt deflected off his teammate and into the net, only for the ex-Liverpool midfielder to equalize late in the game with his second goal.
After seeing their 10-game winning streak snapped, Ronaldo shared his thoughts on Instagram, post-match: "We are on the right path and we know what we need to do in 2026."
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Wijnaldum has had an impressive season so far, with eight goals and an assist from 12 games, including five goals in his last four Saudi Pro League matches. Interestingly, he has also been deployed as a forward at times last season, and his record in that position for Ettifaq is seven goals and an assist from 10 games.