Georginio Wijnaldum Says Liverpool Can Win Title, Talks Jurgen Klopp and More

Georginio Wijnaldum said he has faith that Liverpool can win the Premier League title this season and praised the influence of manager Jurgen Klopp on the Reds' campaign.

The Liverpool midfielder was speaking ahead of his side's clash against Everton in the first Merseyside derby of the season, at Goodison Park on Monday night.

Wijnaldum told Sky Sports News HQ:

"

I have faith and confidence we can win the Premier League.

The season is long so we can improve a lot and we must do everything. We must believe in it and then it is possible.

Leicester won it last season so I think that was an eye-opener for a lot of teams in the Premier League.

"

Liverpool travel across Stanley Park knowing a victory will see them move into second place and cut the gap on leaders Chelsea to six points. However, Everton should be buoyed after beating Arsenal 2-1 in their last outing.

Wijnaldum is a key cog in the Liverpool starting lineup and has shown an improving defensive ability at Anfield since his switch from Newcastle United in the summer, qualities that have allowed attackers such as Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho to really excel in front of him.

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At Newcastle, the Netherlands international was a lead man, scoring 11 goals in a side relegated to the Championship. But in a Liverpool team possessing such an array of attacking flair, Wijnaldum has adapted his approach this season, which has been a clear benefit to the team.

In the aforementioned interview, Wijnaldum highlighted the confidence Klopp gives to his players, and said: "The way he hugs you and gives you a feeling he is behind you no matter what, that he has faith in you to play a good game. That's already a good sign for the players and every time we play, we have confidence."

Liverpool paid a fee approaching £25 million for Wijnaldum, as the Magpies looked to ship out players after exiting the top division. The price appeared a bargain at the time and looks more of a snip now the season is well under way.

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He gives Klopp an ideal all-around midfield option. If Liverpool are chasing the game, Wijnaldum can be moved further forward to offer another potent goalscoring threat.

Conversely, his solidity and positional awareness have given the side more balance, and the player looks to have progressed so much defensively that he is able to provide an effective buffer alongside captain Jordan Henderson in the centre.

That developing partnership with Henderson will likely prove crucial if the Reds are to remain in the race for the title.

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And ahead of Monday's battle for local bragging rights, Wijnaldum believes the onus will be on Ronald Koeman's side to attack: "Everton are at home, so the fans will expect them to win. ... For us it is pressure because we are one of the teams that can win the title this year so we have to win the game. Also because it's a derby every Liverpool fan wants us to win the game so there will be pressure for both sides.

While Liverpool's attacking players have received all the plaudits this season, Wijnaldum has gone under the radar somewhat.

But with the versatile midfielder already looking like he is repaying his transfer fee, his continued positive impact on those around him could give Reds fans plenty to cheer this season.