Georginio Wijnaldum says he hopes to one day match the incredible fitness levels shown by Liverpool teammate James Milner, Sky Sports report.
Liverpool ace Wijnaldum has been tasked with creating his perfect midfielder.
He chooses the likes of Steven Gerrard for his passing ability, Jordan Henderson’s leadership and the footballing brain of Barcelona legend Xavi.
But one key attribute the Dutchman was keen to highlight was general fitness level.
Wijnaldum describes James Milner’s ‘engine’ as a benchmark to reach.
“His engine is unbelievable. I see it in the games and in training, the way he plays and how fit he is. I hope I can reach that level too. He’s non-stop, I have to say when you play against him, it’s really tough because Milner is the type of player who will never stop giving everything so you always have to be 100 per cent concentrated and have to give every time 100 per cent otherwise you will lose from him. He’s a really tough competitor,” Wijnaldum explained.
James Milner defies his age:
Milner has been a revelation for Liverpool since joining from Manchester City.
His quality on the ball and never-say-die attitude has always been there. But, since joining the Reds, he has become a bigger presence despite his age.
Milner’s running off the ball, his closing down and general fitness is off the charts.
Now 34, Milner is Liverpool’s oldest senior player. But that didn’t stop him from winning the gruelling lactate test last summer ahead of his younger teammates as he displayed incredible stamina.
The England international’s contract with the Reds expires in 2022. He will hope by then he can add another couple of Premier League medals to the two he won at Manchester City.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
