Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian highlighted Georginio Wijnaldum’s technical skills as a reason why he is a “world-class” midfielder.
There has been much excitement with Wijnaldum’s upcoming arrival at Paris Saint-Germain, especially as he has shined for the Netherlands national team over the ongoing Euro 2020 tournament. Wijnaldum has so far been a key catalyst for the Netherlands both on and off the ball.
Adrian is far from surprised with Wijnaldum’s tremendous start to the Euro 2020 tournament, especially as he had a front-row seat to watch the Dutch midfielder’s prowess over the past couple of years at Liverpool.
In speaking to the Spanish-based outlet Marca, Adrian singled out Wijnaldum’s versatility and on-ball play as to why the Dutch international is among the more elite midfielders in the sport today.
“Gigi is a versatile and tremendously versatile player,” Adrian said. “He can play in the double pivot, as a defensive midfielder, even as a midfielder, like now with the Netherlands.
“He is very complete. Technically good, fast, and strong. He always likes to finish plays near the box.
“But I have another facet: he is a born fighter, he does not stop working for the team and does not give a ball for lost. Since he arrived in the Premier League, he has forged a great reputation. Just look at the farewell that Anfield gave him.”
Adrian added that Liverpool will be losing a leader with Wijnaldum’s upcoming move to PSG. Overall, the Spanish goalkeeper is much appreciative of what the midfielder contributed during his time with the Reds.
“Off the pitch, he is ‘top’, as they say in England, ‘world-class’ as a footballer and as a person,” Adrian said. “He is a very humble and hard-working guy. Nobody has given him anything. He has earned everything with his work.
“It has not been easy for him to take the step of leaving Liverpool to sign for PSG. He was one of the ‘heavyweights’ of the squad, but finally decided to leave and start a new adventure.”
Wijnaldum is currently aiming to lead the Netherlands national team to a deep run in the Euros, which would be a grand feat for him in his international career.
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