Flipping through our rolodex for the next person to call in our ‘Dial Up’ series, we came on to the letter ‘W’, and from there we picked out Champions League winner Georginio Wijnaldum. The Liverpool midfielder picked up on the other end to talk to us about life, Liverpool, the league title and anything else in between.
Gini Wijnaldum’s performances on the pitch are the type that sometimes go under the radar. But this is a player that is integral to the way in which the champions elect play; the fact he has played more minutes than any other Liverpool midfielder in a season in which the Reds look set to not only lift the Premier League title, but smash records on the way, speaks volumes. Still need convincing of the Dutchman’s influence? Just look at his unbelievable impact on the miraculous comeback against Barcelona in last year’s Champions League.
But despite the fact that his performances could well merit the status, he’s not a superstar in the traditional sense. No, rather Wijnaldum is a mild-mannered family man who goes about his business with a smile on his face; a smile borne from the belief in his own ability and the knowledge that he has the platform on which to showcase it, whether or not it gains the weekly recognition that it deserves.
Talking with him ahead of the imminent return of the Premier League, discussing everything from his new found interest in photography to that night against Barcelona, it’s clear that he appreciates where he is in life. And why shouldn’t he? A new addition to the family at the beginning of lockdown is set to be joined by Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years. Doesn’t get much better than that.
If you’re not happy with what you’re doing, it’s going to be really difficult to perform. It’s not possible to enjoy every moment in your football career, but up to now, most of the moments I have”
[Klopp] spoke with me before the game on the pitch and he said ‘Gini, you will have a big impact when you come in, so just be ready’. It's funny, he really said that. So it was like he already knew what he was doing”
