Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum believes the goals will now flow for him in a Reds shirt, having finally broken his duck.
The 25-year-old was growing increasingly frustrated that he hadn’t found the net for his new club, having set himself a pre-season target of 10 goals in his debut season at Anfield.
In his 12th appearance for the Reds on Sunday, the 6-1 thrashing of Watford, Wijnaldum ended his drought, finishing from close-range in the closing minutes.
It was clearly a huge relief for the Netherlands international and having gained a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder throughout his career, he is confident the goals will now come more regularly.
“I believe that is something I can do again,” said Wijnaldum.
“I did it at Feyenoord but unfortunately not at PSV, although I did score three goals in a game there. I believe I’m a player who can do that.
“Of course, I need help from my teammates – that’s why I will never say I did those things alone. I scored those goals against Norwich but I think I had two or three assists from Moussa Sissoko and you need your teammates to create chances.
“But if a team helps me get in that position, I believe I can deliver. I have the confidence to believe I can do it. That’s how I look at it.”
Wijnaldum also briefly discussed the leadership that he possesses in his game – perhaps an attribute that sometimes goes unnoticed.
The cheery Dutchman has a steely side to his character, but he says he is measured when it comes to telling teammates his thoughts.
“I’m someone who will always say something when I think I have to say something.
“I say what I think but I will not force myself to say something when I don’t want to speak. Sometimes people force themselves to do things but I will do it only when I believe it feels right.”
The former PSV man, who turns 26 on Friday, has been a very good signing by Jurgen Klopp, adding pace, work-rate and intelligence to Liverpool’s midfield.
He and Emre Can have been tussling for a starting berth of late, and that only highlights the squad depth at Klopp’s disposal.
Wijnaldum started for Holland in their 1-1 draw with Belgium on Wednesday, coming up against Reds teammate Simon Mignolet.
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