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Football

31st Jan 2020

Gini Wijnaldum exclusive interview: Playing with Firmino is like playing with an extra man

Gini Wijnaldum plays the Mutation Game for the launch of the new adidas Mutator pack, explaining why he loves playing alongside Firmino and Van Dijk

Reuben Pinder

Gini Wijnaldum plays the Mutation Game

Liverpool’s current side comprises a perfectly constructed set of cogs, all performing their role to the best of their ability, and the end result is a ruthless winning machine. They have, at the time of writing, dropped just two points all season and beaten all 19 other teams in the Premier League at least once this season.

Inevitably, some players receive more plaudits than others. The front line are often heralded for their goal output, while Virgil van Dijk is rightly given credit for his commanding presence at the back, with the full-backs creating chances galore.

One of the more unsung heroes of this Liverpool side is Gini Wijnaldum. The all action midfielder has made crucial contributions to this Liverpool team’s rise to the top, most notably two key goals against Barcelona in the Champions League last season to help the Reds claw back lead after losing the first leg 3-0.

Wijnaldum spoke exclusively to JOE to mark the adidas Mutator Pack launch, playing the Mutation Game, trying to identify which footballers’ faces had been merged together.

He also explained why playing in front of Van Dijk, and behind Roberto Firmino, makes his job in the middle of the park so much easier.

Watch the full video below.