Virgil Van Dijk has come to the defence of former Liverpool teammate Gini Wijnaldum after he was dropped by Holland.
As quoted by nu.nl, Van Dijk claimed that Wijnaldum should still be in the Dutch squad.
“I think – but I’m not the national coach – that Gini with his qualities always belongs in orange,” said the Liverpool man with typical assurance.
However, Van Dijk also acknowledged that the PSG midfielder is currently enduring a difficult time. After leaving Liverpool for Paris last summer, his stock has fallen considerably.
“But he’s not at the best stage of his career. He’s not comfortable in his own skin. He has to accept the choice that the national coach has made,” said Virgil.
Gini struggling in Paris
It isn’t a surprise to hear Van Dijk jumping to his former Liverpool teammate’s defence. The two are good friends owing to a shared career at Anfield and with their country.
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Perhaps it’s a little strange to hear a player question his manager’s decisions so openly. But Van Dijk and Louis Van Gaal seem to have a good understanding of each other.
Regardless, it’s hard to argue against the fact that, currently, Wijnaldum doesn’t deserve to be in the squad.
As Van Dijk alludes to, he seems to be really struggling at PSG. After beginning the season more or less in the first eleven, he lost his place in April and started just two of the last nine league games.
Having been virtually ever-present in five years at Anfield, this must come as something of a shock to Gini.
Now, missing out on the Dutch squad just a few months before a World Cup is sure to set alarm bells ringing. The 31-year-old has been a key player for Holland over the last decade and has 86 caps to his name.
Van Gaal sends Wijnaldum a warning
It’s possibly just a warning shot by Van Gaal for Wijnaldum to get himself out of Paris this summer. But on big wages and turning thirty-two this winter, that won’t be easy.
Some Liverpool fans may take some glee in seeing things turn sour for Gini. Having reportedly turned down Liverpool’s offers, he seemingly made his bed at PSG.
But he gave this club some special moments and the prime of his career. It’s never nice to see a former red lose his way.
Hopefully Wijnaldum can get a move that gets him back to playing regularly during this transfer window.