Liverpool signed Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle United in 2016.
Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has told the club’s official website that he thought it was ‘great’ playing under Rafael Benitez at Newcastle United.
Wijnaldum made a big move to Newcastle in the summer of 2015 having starred in his native Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, with his arrival seen as a major coup for the Magpies.
Wijnaldum largely impressed at home but struggled away from home in a poor Newcastle side, with Steve McClaren sacked in March 2016 as the Magpies looked set for relegation.
Benitez came in as his replacement in a stunning move, just months after leaving Real Madrid, but despite some improved form, he couldn’t keep Newcastle in the Premier League.
That proved to be Wijnaldum’s one and only season with Newcastle, as he made an instant return to the Premier League, signing a big-money deal with Liverpool after Newcastle’s drop.
Wijnaldum is now a key part of the Liverpool side under Jurgen Klopp and has proven why Newcastle lured him to the Premier League in the first place – and he has now discussed Benitez.
Wijnaldum has admitted that it was ‘great’ playing under Benitez as he learned so much, whilst praising the Spaniard for getting every bit of potential out of a player and making a team to suit the players he has.
“It was great playing for him, I learned a lot, a lot,” said Wijnaldum. “When he came we collected a lot of points. He is really good at making a team with the type of players he has and he is also a man who knows how to get every bit of potential out of you. I was happy that he was there,” he added.
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