Georginio Wijnaldum to Newcastle: What will he bring to the team?
Saturday 11 July 2015 21:44, UK
Following the confirmation that Newcastle have signed Georginio Wijnaldum from PSV, we look at what the Netherlands international will bring to the Premier League side.
What type of player is he and can he make the transition to the English game? Is Steve McClaren the man to get the best from him?
Here’s everything you need to know about McClaren’s first signing since taking over at Newcastle…
What is his background?
Wijnaldum, now 24, began his career at Feyenoord, making his debut at 16 before moving to PSV in 2011. He made his senior international debut under Bert van Marwijk soon afterwards and won the KNVB Cup in his first season in Rotterdam. Named PSV captain in 2013, he was selected in Louis van Gaal’s World Cup squad at the end of that campaign and followed up by helping his club to their first Eredivisie title in seven years in the spring.
What type of midfielder is he?
Wijnaldum’s all-round skill-set is strong. He shows good anticipation in defensive situations, providing useful cover for his defence, but also breaks forward to great effect. Indeed, with his tally of 14 goals, he was one of the top 10 scorers in the Eredivisie last season despite operating deeper than most. At PSV, only Memphis Depay completed more dribbles than Wijnaldum last term – highlighting the fact that this is a midfielder with a bit of everything.
Which ex-player does he compare to?
When Wijnaldum broke through at Feyenoord aged 16, there were soon comparisons being drawn with Clarence Seedorf who became Ajax’s youngest ever player at the same age. “I looked at Seedorf,” Wijnaldum told Sky Sports. “He did it when he was so young too, and I worked hard for it. I thought, if he can do it, so can I. At the beginning I knew I had the quality to make a difference. I am still the youngest player to have played for Feyenoord.”
What sort of character is he?
Wijnaldum developed his leadership skills at PSV and has a reputation as a good communicator on the field. He’s also clearly a confident character and does not want for self-belief. “I am a player with a lot of ambition,” he told Sky Sports in April. “I want to play in a stronger league than the Eredivisie. With my quality I feel I can bring a lot to a team that I will join. I want to show it in the big leagues.”
Is there anything worth worrying about?
Newcastle fans might be sceptical about getting too excited after the struggles of the De Jong brothers at St James’ Park. After all, PSV’s star striker in 2014/15 was Luuk, the younger of the De Jongs, who scored 20 goals despite failing to net once for Newcastle in the previous campaign. Wijnaldum also missed seven months of that 2013/14 season through injury but credits Van Gaal for helping to restore his confidence by taking him to Brazil.
At the beginning I knew I had the quality to make a difference. I am still the youngest player to have played for Feyenoord.
Will McClaren’s Dutch experience help?
Dutch players are a special breed and few Englishman know that better than the Newcastle boss. McClaren won the Eredivisie title with Twente and knows what to expect. He told Sky Sports: “My favourite expression about the Dutch is that when you say what you're going to do today, they say, 'Yes, coach, but'. And there was always a 'but'. They would do anything for you but only as long as you could answer the 'but' clearly in their language.”
So is he ready for the Premier League?
He could hardly be more ready. Despite being only 24, the 2014/15 season was his ninth as a first-teamer, having made more than 100 appearances each for two of the big three. Having finally won the title, he’s ready for the next challenge. “PSV know that I am ready for a new step,” he told De Telegraaf last season. “I’m at the right age for it. I do not want to be too old before I go abroad.” It seems Newcastle could have the right man at the right time.