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Opinion

Siem de Jong says Wijnaldum is no competition

9 years ago
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Siem de Jong says that he doesn’t see Georginio Wijnaldum as a threat to his potential place in the team.

The former Ajax player says he was pleased that Newcastle brought in last season’s Dutch League player of the year and thinks they can play together, rather than competing for the same position.

In pre-season, Siem de Jong replaced Wijnaldum from the bench a number of times, then the same happened on the opening day of the season against Southampton. Leading some fans to perceive that it might be difficult to play the two players in the same starting eleven.

De Jong says he is feeling good and happy with his preparation, though it remains to be seen if he is back to the kind of full fitness that could see him make a real impact in the Premier League this season.

Little surprise with the number of recruits from Holland that the midfielder says that Steve McClaren wants them to play Dutch style football, even less surprising when you factor in the successful time the Head Coach spent with FC Twente as well.

Siem de Jong was a massive hope to provide the goals and creativity when he came in a year ago, to fill a void left by Yohan Cabaye.

If he could get fully fit then playing alongside Wijnaldum, you could have a potent pair of attacking midfielders.

Siem de Jong talking to Dutch publication ELF Voetbal:

“I have had several conversations with the manager (Steve McClaren) and he is very satisfied with me.

“He has said that he wants to follow the Dutch style, which means that we don’t just play long ball – only if we have to.”

No competition:

“I am very happy with the arrival of (Georginio) Wijnaldum and don’t see him so much as a competitor – I can play with him.

“We can use all of our good players, we now have a strong team and I have got faith in us having a good season.”

Feeling good:

“I feel good and have had a good preparation, in the summer I also did well – it was nice not to have any injuries.”

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