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McClaren: 'Gini Is The Right Fit'
Written by Newcastle Utd
Steve McClaren believes Georginio Wijnaldum is the "right fit" for Newcastle United
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Steve McClaren believes Georginio Wijnaldum is the "right fit" for Newcastle United, after landing the Dutch international midfielder.
Twenty-four-year-old Wijnaldum has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at St. James' Park, and arrives from PSV Eindhoven where, as captain, he led them to the Eredivisie title last season.
McClaren was delighted to secure his first signing as the Magpies head coach and told nufc.co.uk: "This is a statement of intent from the Club.
"It is a big transfer for a very good player and I am delighted to have Gini here at the Club.
"He is a very good player and someone I know very well from my time in Holland with FC Twente. He was at Feyenoord to begin with and then at PSV, so has played for two of the top teams in Holland.
"Gini has developed into a player who is a regular for his country, he played at the World Cup last summer and has become a very good, all-round midfielder.
"He has lots of energy and a great tempo to his game. He is very skilful but is also capable of playing box-to-box, and - importantly - he can score goals.
"Gini has developed his game into being an all-rounder. When he started his career he was a number ten and now he plays much more box-to-box - he is what is known as a double-six.
"For the national team he is a little more defensive, so I would describe him as an all-round player who has the energy and ability to get up and down the pitch, creating and scoring goals."
While ability is obviously crucial when it comes to Wijnaldum plying his trade in the Premier League, so is attitude.
And McClaren believes the Dutch star has that in abundance.
"Gini comes from a good background, came through the Feyenoord Academy, which produces a lot of good players," continued the boss.
"He has had a good education, good grounding and knows the game well.
"He is very experienced for a 24-year-old, having won the Dutch league, played in the World Cup and become a regular for the national team. He is at the right age and the right fit for Newcastle.
"He is a leader as well and you will see that. He is someone who always wants the ball, can deal with it, and we need that kind of character in the team.
"It's obviously a relief to get the first signing in but it was all about making sure we get the right players and I believe Gini is the right one for us."