One thing is for sure next season in the Eredivisie: reigning champions PSV will have a tough time. Not due to their rivals strengthening, or because of their games in the Champions League qualification rounds, but mainly because the same old thing in the Dutch league has occurred: when a team lifts the trophy, they’re susceptible to losing their best players to a bigger league.
PSV had already lost Memphis Depay to Manchester United and Karim Rekik to Marseille before losing Georginio Wijnaldum to Newcastle as well.
The fierce Tyne-and-Wear derby expands beyond the pitch it seems, since both Newcastle and Sunderland were battling for the signature of PSV captain Giorginio Wijnaldum.
Most of you are probably wondering: “who is Giorginio ‘Gini’ Wijnaldum?”
Born in Rotterdam, he played for Feyenoord – one of the biggest clubs in the Netherlands. He was rated as one of the biggest talents of that generation and was set to have a bright future at the club. However, Feyenoord suffered some severe financial troubles and have struggled to compete for trophies as a result – with only two trophies since 2000. He was one of the bright sparks when the team was playing poorly all season.
Then PSV announced their interest in acquiring his services and he knew it was time to move on.
Footballing ability appears to run in the family, with his younger brother Giliano at VfL Bochum, his half brother Rajiv La Parra at Wolves and his nephew Royston Drenthe previously at Real Madrid and Everton.
He hasn’t quite had the chances to showcase his ability at national level, with the likes of Sneijder, De Jong, De Guzman and Fer ahead of him in the pecking order – not to mention other talents like Davy Klaassen and Jordi Clasie also battling for playtime.
His playing abilities range from being strong physically to being a quick passer. It’s his great diversity that makes him an attractive player to watch. I think Wijnaldum, and Siem de Jong (when he’s fit), will restore Newcastle as a great team once again.
