Gini Wijnaldum praises Liverpool’s character and fight in taking three points at Leicester

Gini Wijnaldum admits Liverpool will play better than they did against Leicester City, but says three points were all that mattered.

The Reds battled to a nervy 3-2 win against Craig Shakespeare’s side at the KP Stadium on Saturday, and a first victory in five matches for Jurgen Klopp‘s side was huge.

Goals from Mohamed Salah, Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson proved to be the difference, as well as Simon Mignolet‘s second-half penalty save from Jamie Vardy.

Wijnaldum praised the battling nature of Liverpool’s performance at a tough ground, and emphasised the importance of the win.

“We showed a lot of character,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“After the goal they scored [to make it 3-2] it gave them a little bit of confidence and it also took a little bit of confidence off us because it was really tough and they kept pushing, and we had to defend with all that we’ve got.

“I think we have played better games than we did today, but we have won the game, which is the most important thing.

“We fought until the end to win the three points and I think this is a really good win because it’s not easy to win at Leicester.”

The Dutchman singled out both Coutinho and Mignolet for special praise, after the duo played a key role in the Reds’ triumph.

“He (Coutinho) was really good,” he added.

“I had a feeling he would score and he’s in good shape. It’s been really tough for him the last couple of weeks but he did great.”

“It’s his (Mignolet’s) speciality, saving penalties!

“It’s always good if you have a goalkeeper who can stop penalties because he won the game for us and we are happy with that.”

It was Mignolet’s seventh penalty save in 15 attempts for Liverpool, and while his all-round display was shaky, his stop from Vardy ultimately earned his side the win.

Coutinho, meanwhile, was a menace throughout, with his inch-perfect cross for Salah and magical free-kick outlining his influence.

The Brazilian is slowly getting back to his best after the summer transfer debacle, and he will prove to be so vital between now and May.