Wijnaldum wishing for another derby moment like Mane's
Georginio Wijnaldum could barely contain his emotions at the end of his first Merseyside derby – and the midfielder wants more of the same in his second on Saturday.
As stoppage-time ticked away at Goodison Park in December, it seemed like Liverpool and Everton would have to settle for a point apiece from their Premier League clash.
All that changed when Sadio Mane reacted quickest to Daniel Sturridge’s shot striking the post, though.
In the blink of an eye, the Senegal forward sped into the penalty area, poked the loose ball into an unguarded net and moved off to the left to feel the force of a joyous away section.
Mane was soon joined by his equally delighted teammates – Wijnaldum among them – for a collective outpouring of satisfaction that will live long in the memory.
And with Everton set to visit Anfield in the return meeting this weekend, the No.5 would be honoured if he were to provide a similarly decisive moment for his team.
“A lot of things were going through my mind and body,” he recalled of that night, in conversation with Nathaniel Clyne and Simon Mignolet for a special Dunkin’ Donuts feature.
Watch: Clyne, Mignolet and Wijnaldum on derby with Dunkin' Donuts
“We had a few chances but didn’t score. It was looking like we were going to have a draw. But Sturridge made a good action inside, shot and hit the post; Sadio was quick and scored the goal.
“It was a great feeling to see how glad the supporters were when Sadio scored. I was really delighted that we won the game because it was my first derby with Liverpool.
“Everyone was together in front of the supporters. I must say, we were lucky that we scored at that end! It was a good thing to score in the second half.
“Goals in the derby are more vital than other goals, for the supporters. You can make them happier than any goal against another team. You want to help your team win the derby with a goal or an assist – it would mean a lot to me.”