As Liverpool fans sing his praises

“The pressure at the top and bottom is two different pressures.

“For me, I try not to think about that during the game or during the season.

“When I am enjoying my football that is when I give my best.

“I know I am a good player and when I enjoy it, I get better.

“Pressure is part of football and especially when you play for a club as big as Liverpool.

“Expectations are high and people expect a lot from you.

“But you must see it as a blessing. When you’re young, you want to play for a club like Liverpool.

“Expectations are always there for good footballers and good teams. It’s better to have that rather than, ‘Let’s see how he does this weekend’.”

Another thing that immediately puts a smile on the Dutchman’s face is the song that Liverpool fans have come up with for him.

He knows that if his name is being chanted by The Kop, he must be doing something right.

“I like the tune, it’s a really good one,” he laughs.

“I don’t sing it in the car but I like the melody!

“But it’s great. I’m here for less than a year and the fans already appreciate what I do for the team and the club.

“As a player, it gives you a good feeling to do even better because the supporters like it.”

Wijnaldum and Liverpool are currently third in the Premier League with five games to go as they entertain Crystal Palace this afternoon.

But with the teams below them all having games in hand, they cannot afford any slip-ups.

They have ground out successive away wins at Stoke and West Brom in a manner different to much of their freeflowing football this season.

And the 25-year-old is pleased at how they’ve shown a different side to their game to get the necessary wins.

“The last two games were a real battle, especially West Brom,” he reflects.

“They have strong players, play long balls and have difficult set-pieces.

“But we defended well and fought to win just we did at Stoke when we went 1-0 behind.

“That was good how we changed the game into a win.

“Palace is going to be a physical challenge, as well.

“The first game was physical and this one will be the same.

“You have to adapt to the situation and that’s what I’m doing.”