Wijnaldum prompts transfer headache
Gini Wijnaldum had clearly decided enough was enough.
Midway through the second half, with Liverpool testing Anfield nerves with a period of dangerous passing out of defence, the Dutchman pounced on possession, held off the challenge of several Palace players and then initiated another home attack.
Trademark no-nonsense Wijnaldum, it drew huge cheers of appreciation from the home supporters.
And, in some ways, encapsulated what the midfielder brought to this Liverpool team over the past five years – and why he will be so, so difficult to replace.
The energy, the vision, the strength on the ball and quality to keep play moving, it showcased a player who, this season at least, has done more than anyone to fight fires in the engine room as Liverpool toiled during the winter months.
Available, dependable and always at a good level, there simply hasn’t been a more selfless operator under Klopp.
Small wonder the heartfelt reaction from both the manager and his team-mates during Wijnaldum’s post-match guard of honour.
They know the value of the Dutchman, a player who regularly put the needs of the team first when he was also capable of the kind of performance that helped destroy Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final – and saw him morph into Zinedine Zidane for 45 incredible, unforgettable minutes.
Liverpool aren’t just losing one player in Wijnaldum. They are losing several. An Anfield legend? Without doubt.
All the best, Gini.
Phillips facing tough decision
It was utterly apt that Liverpool should end the season with no fully-fit centre-backs.
But as the patched-up duo of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams completed the post-match lap of appreciation, they could take pride in a contribution neither could have anticipated at the start of the season.
Both suffered cuts to the head in the first half here – Williams having to leave the field briefly for stitches – but neither shirked the challenge posed by Palace forwards Jordan Ayew, Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend.
Indeed, it later emerged Williams had been a major doubt with a hamstring problem before being declared fit hours before kick-off.
Virgil van Dijk, among those watching on the sidelines, will have appreciated both performances and the fact, in the last five games, they have helped ensure the Dutchman has Champions League to target for a return next season.
With no guarantees Van Dijk, Joe Gomez or Joel Matip will be fully fit for the start of the new campaign, Klopp has already indicated he wants Phillips and Williams to still be part of the squad come pre-season.
Phillips in particular may have a tough decision to make about that, particularly if Liverpool, as expected, bolster their defensive ranks in the summer. His stock will arguably never be higher.
For now, though, both he and Williams can enjoy the moment. They have deserved it.
Time for FSG to step up
Despite the successful conclusion, there will be very few people associated with Liverpool wishing this season a fond farewell.
Good riddance, more like.
And Gini Wijnaldum won’t be the only one waving goodbye to Anfield with the forthcoming transfer window seeing a further evolution of the Reds squad.
The possible departures are obvious.
Divock Origi, his place in Anfield folklore, failed to make the bench here. Naby Keita has had another campaign of disappointment, while Xherdan Shaqiri may seek greater first-team opportunities elsewhere.
And while the squad is in need of rejuvenation, that will partly come from within.
Thiago Alcantara’s strong finale has whetted the appetite for next season, Diogo Jota will continue to improve while Harvey Elliot, impressive on loan at Blackburn Rovers this term, can provide an injection of youth.
New arrivals, though, are needed. And with Champions League football assured, Liverpool belatedly rediscovering their true self and, most joyfully, fans back at Anfield, Klopp has done his bit to ensure the Reds remain as attractive a proposition as any in world football.
Over to you, Fenway Sports Group. What have you got?
