Ex-Liverpool hero Dirk Kuyt has heaped praise on current Reds star Georginio Wijnaldum, suggesting that he has a “fantastic mentality”.
The midfielder has found his starting berth in jeopardy in recent matches, with captain Jordan Henderson assuming a more advanced role in Jurgen Klopp’s central trio, but Kuyt has claimed that his compatriot has handled his omission brilliantly.
Writing in a column for Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, he said: “What I also like is the fantastic mentality of Georginio Wijnaldum. Before the kick-off I saw his eyes.
“You felt the disappointment that he was not playing, but when you see how professional he was before, during and after the game, you get more admiration for him. That’s how you should be a pro.
“The final sprint becomes so important. Yet Gini deals with that in a great way. He falls in, he does his work and celebrates with his fellow players as it should be. A real team player. ”
OPINION
Kuyt is bang on the money with this one. Wijnaldum has fallen victim to the sudden spike in form of a newly liberated Jordan Henderson, but he has handled the situation admirably. It would have been quite easy for him to just sulk at being out on his ear after a full season as a nailed on starter, but instead, he has been a positive and effective member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad when called upon. That is exactly what Liverpool need right now. They don’t need heroes or inflated egos crying over every little thing, they need a good group all pulling in the same direction if they are to get anything out of this wonderful campaign. Luckily, it looks as if Klopp has managed to assemble exactly that sort of squad, one that has each other’s back through thick and thin, and one more bothered by the collective good and than individual plaudits.
