Wijnaldum wants to be “part of something special” at Liverpool

Gini Wijnaldum is convinced that Liverpool are among the top clubs in Europe again as a result of their impressive run to the Champions League final last season.

Though the final result didn’t go Jurgen Klopp’s way in Kiev, Liverpool’s blistering form up front and relentless pressing style saw them blow away teams at home and abroad, putting the Reds on the map once again.

And Wijnaldum believes Liverpool have firmly re-established their position at the top table of European football once again.

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LONDON, ENGLAND, September 15: Gini Wijnaldum scores against Tottenham during Liverpool’s match with Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on September 15, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

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“It was amazing to be part of,” Wijnaldum said, as quoted by LiverpoolFC.com.

“What I loved the most about the Champions League was the games at home. The atmosphere was different than usual. Anfield comes alive on big European nights. It was wonderful.

“We beat some very good teams. Everyone in Europe knows who we are right now.

“It was just unfortunate how things went in the final against Real Madrid. Things didn’t go our way but we learned a lot from the experiences of last season.

“I hope to stay here for a long time and help to make the history of this club even bigger.

“We’ve qualified for the Champions League two seasons in a row and reached a major final but we want more. Everyone talks about winning something and we have to make sure we take that next step. I hope we can do it. We have the confidence that we can do it.

“You want to be able to look back and feel you were part of Liverpool’s great history – win something here and they will always remember you.

“I want to be remembered as a Liverpool player who was part of something special.”

MARIBOR, SLOVENIA – Tuesday, October 17, 2017: Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between NK Maribor and Liverpool at the Stadion Ljudski vrt. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Wijnaldum has had an excellent start to the season, and has become ‘Mr Versatile’ for Liverpool by playing in a variety of roles, all to great effect.

“It makes it easier for you to play more often and it makes it easier for the manager if he has players who can be used in different positions,” explained Wijnaldum.

“I think I’ve shown I have the defensive discipline to play deep as the No.6 and start the build-ups with my passing. I can also play higher up the pitch and make a difference in the opposition area. Being able to do both has helped me to play so many games.

“I’ve certainly grown as a player during my time here. The expectations are so high at such a big club and that drives you on to become better.

“Before I signed for Liverpool I was playing for Newcastle as a No.10 – basically, I was always attacking, I didn’t have to do much defensive work. I didn’t play as the No.6 or the No.8.

“Learning to play different roles has made me a more all-round midfielder. With the calibre of players here and the technical staff, this is a great environment to learn.

“Walking out at Anfield is an unbelievable experience and I feel very fortunate. I try to enjoy every minute of it. We’ve come a long way as a club and I’ve been happy to contribute to that.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com