Georginio Wijnaldum told Virgil van Dijk to 'follow his heart' to Liverpool

Published on: 14 January 2018

Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol explains how the Reds can exploit Manchester City's weaknesses and hand Pep Guardiola's side their first league defeat. ESPN FC's Jonathan Smith and Mark Ogden break down the keys to Sunday's Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says the club 'tried absolutely everything' to convince Philippe Coutinho to stay. Jurgen Klopp hinted Liverpool could replace Philippe Coutinho during the January transfer window.

Georginio Wijnaldum refuses to take any credit in luring Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, admitting that his only advice to his Netherlands international teammate was to "follow his heart."

The former Southampton man completed a £75 million move to Anfield earlier this month, and Wijnaldum says that while they talked before the transfer, there was no convincing needed on his part.

"We spoke a few times. I told him how the club was and everything," Wijnaldum told the Liverpool Echo ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester City.

"I told him whatever decision you make just follow your heart.

"You have to deal with that. You do what you want to do. Liverpool is a great club."

Wijnaldum says Van Dijk has slotted seamlessly into Jurgen Klopp's setup, hailing his calming effect on the Reds' defence.

"He is an easy-going, relaxed person who gets along with everyone. He is not someone who only speaks with a few players," Wijnaldum said.

"He always tries to learn, and even though he is a leader he knows he can still get better. Despite the amount of money spent on him and the pressure. Which is a good thing.

"I didn't even know he was that calm."

Follow @ESPNFC on Twitter to keep up with the latest football updates.

Comments

Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms. Learn more.

Source: espn.co.uk

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more