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Ronald de Boer has stated that he believes Liverpool’s Gini Wijnaldum would be a great success if he moves to his compatriot Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona, but has issued a warning about the coach’s persecution of the midfielder.
Koeman is reportedly interested in bringing the Reds player to La Liga after he replaced Quique Setien, as well as a transfer to Memphis Depay from Lyon, as Lionel Messi’s future remains undecided.
Former Barcelona player De Boer believes Wijnaldum would improve the midfield of the team that once featured players like Xavi and Iniesta, but has urged Koeman to be cautious about his goals this summer.
Speaking to Fox Sports, he said: “As a commuter, Wijnaldum could be the cement between the stones.
“And Memphis really adds something individually, it can create something out of nothing.”
It is understandable that Koeman looks towards Dutch players not only because he himself hails from the Netherlands, but his most recent coaching role saw him in charge of the national team.
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Just as many coaches tend to bring players from previous clubs with them to their new employers, likewise the new Barca boss could look to his compatriots to meet his new club.
However, the former Barcelona player has warned Koeman to be careful not to bring too many of his own nationality to the squad as it could upset things even more in the locker room.
De Boer continued: “In our time, you had the feeling that the Dutch-Spanish ratio was 50-50. There were 11 or 12 Dutch in the team, including the technical staff.
“In hindsight, that was not good. You really have to take that into account, you have to make sure you don’t just buy Dutch.
“Of course, this is also seen with the German and Portuguese coaches, they also attract many compatriots to their clubs.
“As a coach, you attract players that you know well and that suit you in terms of mentality and character. But it would be strong if Ronald Koeman gets a good player from the Spanish league.”
Wijnaldum, 29, has entered the final year of his contract with the Reds and discussions have been on hold for some time over a new deal.
But when asked on Thursday about the possibility of moving to Barcelona during this transfer window, Wijnaldum said: “It is a rumor, I have nothing to say about it.”
Wijnaldum, sitting next to interim Netherlands coach Dwight Lodeweges, spoke ahead of his country’s UEFA Nations League clash with Poland on Friday night.
And he wished Koeman all the best in his new role.
“Of course it is a shame that he is gone, but we are also very happy for him,” said the Liverpool midfielder.
“‘It can be compared to when you’re in such a situation as a player. But we have to move on.”
Liverpool have not had any contact with Barcelona for Wijnaldum.
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