The Liverpool Echo report that former Reds boss Rafa Benitez isn’t surprised to see Gini Wijnaldum in the Champions League final.
Benitez managed Wijnaldum at Newcastle before his £23 million move to Anfield in 2016 after the Magpies were relegated.
Moussa Sissoko also left Newcastle to join Spurs in the same window, and the pair will now face off in Saturday’s final.
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And Rafa has said that he isn’t surprised to see both Gini and Sissoko playing on football’s biggest stage.
He said: “The fans they know that they are both good players. It depends on the environment, it depends on the moment, it depends on the situation of each player.
“You can’t blame anyone, you can’t blame the club, you can’t blame me, you can’t blame anyone because they wanted to go because they had offers – good offers – and they wanted to stay in the Premier League.
(Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United)
“It is not fair for me to talk only about Sissoko but he is in the final and I am really pleased.
“I am still in contact with him and Gini.”
Rafa’s words will ring true to many Liverpool fans who have seen Wijnaldum in great form this season.
He has provided some iconic moments in a brilliant season, scoring the first goal in Liverpool’s vital 0-2 win over Cardiff.
And who can forget his stunning second-half performance and brace against Barcelona to help Liverpool into the final.
(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
He has always been very consistent for Liverpool in midfield and has brilliant fitness levels and attitude to match.
Eyebrows were raised when Klopp signed him from Newcastle, but Wijnaldum has proved the doubters wrong.
He was won over the Kop with his performances and is now one of the first names on the team sheet.
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And Gini looks almost certain to start in the final against Sissoko after that display against Barcelona.
It is fitting that Benitez, Liverpool’s last manager to lift the Champions League trophy, still recognises this.
To have both Klopp and Benitez, Liverpool legends in their own rights, singing your praises will be a huge boost.