Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has admitted that things haven’t gone his way since he left Liverpool in August.
Wijnaldum joined Ligue 1 runners-up Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window on a free transfer. He was a part of many world-class players who joined the Mauricio Pochettino-coached club, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Everything seemed perfect for the 30-year-old who got a chance to supply assists Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. However, things have turned sour already as the midfielder has seen his play time-limited to just 152 minutes over the last 30 days.
PSG have played seven matches during that period, and the former Liverpool midfielder has started just twice.
“I can’t say I’m completely happy because the situation is not what I wanted.
I was really looking forward to the new step, and then this happens. It is very difficult,”
the Oranje vice-captain said.
Wijnaldum was an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield at Anfield. His fitness record over the years has been exceptional, and as a result, he used to feature more often than not during his tenure at Liverpool. In Paris, things have been different as Pochettino has preferred Idrissa Gana Gueye and Ander Herrera.
Dutch national coach Louis van Gaal is also concerned about Wijnaldum’s playtime. Wijnaldum has been a prolific goal contributor for the Netherlands over the years.
Although he was deployed in a much deeper role at Liverpool, the sheer fact that he was playing week in-week out must have undoubtedly helped him perform at a high level for his country.
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As the PSG coach is overlooking him, van Gaal hopes that doesn’t affect his output on the international stage.
The Netherlands obliterated Gibraltar 6-0, but Wijnaldum didn’t have a direct hand in any of those goals. This is a concern for the Dutch side as just a few months ago, he endured a fruitful Euro campaign with three goals.
