GINI WIJNALDUM has launched an astonishing attack on Everton and branded Jordan Pickford ‘stupid’.
The furious Liverpool midfielder could not hide his anger with the news that team-mate Virgil van Dijk could miss the rest of the season after his collision with keeper Pickford in Saturday’s 2-2 draw.
Jordan Pickford has been heavily criticised for his flying challenge on Virgi van Dijk Credit: PA:Press Association
Gini Wijnaldum did not mince his words when he spoke about Pickford’s tackleCredit: Rex Features
Wijnaldum, preparing for tonight’s Champions League opener at Ajax, also accused Everton of taking things ‘way too far’ during their hotly-contested clashes.
The Dutchman said: “We are still devastated about Virgil. The way it happened is really hard for us and I think everyone really had a bad feeling about it.
“After Saturday, none of the players slept. It was hard to take. Of course we are upset.
“The way Pickford went in on the challenge was, in my opinion, completely stupid.
“I believe he did not want to injure Virgil, but he did not care about what happened after the tackle.
“I think we have had this in a lot of games against Everton, in my opinion.
“They take it way too far in the games we play against them.
“We know it is a derby and everyone wants to win that derby. Sometimes you go a little bit over the top but this was too much.”
Van Dijk could be out for the rest of the season according to some reportsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Everton were also reduced to 10 men at the end after Richarlison’s challenge on Thiago Alcantara, who will also miss tonight’s clash with a knee injury.
Wijnaldum added: “It was not just Pickford’s mistake.
“We talk about the tackle from Richarlison on Thiago, which was also a nasty one.
“You can be unlucky with tackles and injuries but what they were doing was completely unacceptable.
“It makes it harder that they have not all got punished. Pickford does not get punished after people have seen the videos.”
The former PSV star admits Liverpool will miss Van Dijk, while fellow central midfielder Joel Matip is also crocked.
Wijnaldum added: “I think everyone can see what kind of impact Virgil has made since he came to the club. He is such a leader.”
Sam Allardyce feels Jordan Pickford should’ve been sent off in Everton v Liverpool match
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
