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This article is part of Football FanCast's Off the Bench series, which places in-game managerial decisions and squad selections under FFC's microscope.

Georginio Wijnaldum provides energy, skill and commitment to the Liverpool midfield, and it was a mistake not to include him in the starting line-up in the defeat to Napoli.

The Reds won the midfield battle according to the possession stats, but upon closer inspection it becomes apparent that the trio of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho failed to reduce the influence of key Napoli men, with Fabian Ruiz's 82 touches the highest of any player behind Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Wijnaldum meanwhile has started the season well, and has six wins to show from his six starts, including the Super Cup, whilst also scoring two goals in two games for the Netherlands.

A significant absence

The Reds missed Wijnaldum's ability to link defence and midfield and had only four shots on target as a result, and the accuracy of his passing which he has made significant improvements to, evidenced by his 100% pass success against Napoli.

He can run with the ball and carry his side up the pitch, work his way into space under pressure, and keep the midfield ticking over. That makes him key in the transition and Liverpool lacked the ability to turn defence into attack.

In Champions League competition he has averaged one successful dribble per game, and if the Reds had a threat from deep on Tuesday they may have been able to find a way through a Napoli defence that had conceded seven goals in three games prior to the Reds' visit.

By comparison his replacement, James Milner, lacked quality. He misplaced passes throughout and that killed Liverpool attacks and prevented a fluidity which they often play with, as shown through his pass accuracy of 78%.

Off the bench

Jurgen Klopp has a lot to think about in regard to his midfield three. He will of course want to rotate in order to maintain morale and fitness, but he cannot afford to drop points away from home in the Premier League or in Europe.

From his line-ups so far this season it is clear he has a preferred midfield three, which includes Wijnaldum, and they are the trio who should start when available, starting with the trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

Those three are effective for Liverpool not just because of their ability on the ball, as displayed in their passing stats, but because of the energy they provide, which is key to the pressing style.