Newly signed Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum hopes to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Dutchman Dirk Kuyt by becoming a fan favourite at Anfield.
The Kop took Kuyt to their hearts thanks to the forward’s tireless running and knack for scoring vital goals – and Wijnaldum wants to earn the same adulation as his countryman, reports the Liverpool website.
Wijnaldum insists that during Kuyt’s time at Anfield he deserved all the praise he received and went on to say that he will be working just as hard to win over the Liverpool fans.
‘He deserved it at that time because he worked – he always works hard,’ Wijnaldum said.
‘It doesn’t matter where you put him on the field, he works hard. Supporters appreciate it when you’re trying to work hard for the team and that’s what I have to do also.’
Wijnaldum scored 11 goals in 38 league appearances in his maiden season for the Magpies following a move from PSV Eindhoven last summer.
The Dutchman, who also previously represented Feyenoord has 30 international caps to his name.
He joins Loris Karius, Joel Matip, Marko Grujic, Sadio Mane, Ragnar Klavan and Alex Manninger as a fresh face in Klopp’s squad ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.
Image: Liverpool website