Georginio Wijnaldum: Why everyone at Liverpool FC will like Virgil van Dijk
The Liverpool FC midfielder is tipping Virgil van Dijk to be a big hit at the Anfield outfit
Georginio Wijnaldum has described new Liverpool FC signing Virgil van Dijk as a “nice guy” outside of football but is backing the defender to be a leader on the pitch.
The Netherlands international became the world’s most expensive defender on Wednesday evening following a protacted transfer saga involving Liverpool FC, Southampton and Van Dijk.
The 26-year-old agreed to a reported £75m transfer fee to become Liverpool FC’s club record signing after eclipsing the £48m fee the Reds spent on RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita.
Van Dijk will be tasked with reinforcing Liverpool FC’s leaky defence after Klopp’s men conceded 23 times in 20 games in the Premier League.
The former Celtic man will know Wijnaldum from their time together in the Netherlands national team set-up since making his debut for the Oranje in 2015.
Wijnaldum attempted to shed light on Van Dijk’s personality ahead of the Southampton captain’s move to Anfield on 1 January.
“I think outside the pitch he’s just a normal person. Easy-going, relaxed… I think everyone will like him at the club,” Wijnaldum told Sky Sports News.
“On the pitch , what I saw from the national team is that he’s a leader who tries to help everyone and the defensive line. So I think he will help us in the team.”
Wijnaldum moved to Liverpool FC from Newcastle United in a £25m deal in the 2016 summer transfer window.
The Reds will be hoping both Wijnaldum and Van Dijk can leave a legacy at Anfield to rival one of the club’s greatest Dutch player Dirk Kuyt.
Liverpool FC finished in fourth place in the Premier League table last term to secure a return to the Champions League.
