Gini Wijnaldum could make decision in three days as Liverpool hopes raised

Decision time is approaching for both Liverpool and Gini Wijnaldum but the Reds are hopeful of the Dutchman choosing to stay

Few players have been able to watch Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool project blossom quite so spectacularly as Gini Wijnaldum.

Indeed, the midfielder was one of the first through the door on the playing staff when Klopp really got to work at the club.

Only Sadio Mane and Joel Matip joined on Klopp's watch before Wijnaldum, making the Dutchman one of the longest-serving at Anfield.

Just James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi and captain Jordan Henderson pre-date Klopp's October 2015 arrival too, marking Wijnaldum out as one of the few who have seen this Liverpool team surge from top-four hopefuls to favourites to retain their title.

His influence is evidenced by the fact that he is one of four members of Liverpool 's unofficial 'leadership group' alongside Henderson, Milner and Virgil van Dijk.

When the club took the decision for the players to take the knee at Anfield shortly after the killing of George Floyd in America in May, it was Wijnaldum's prominent voice which was one of the loudest.

"The rule here is there is a players' committee and it is Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Virgil van Dijk and Gini Wijnaldum," Klopp said on Christmas Eve.

"There are pretty much the four captains. You don't need four but if Hendo is not playing then Milly, if both are not playing then Virgil or Gini."