Wijnaldum: 'We don't want stats... we want trophies'

In spite of improved statistics and a better league position than this time last season, Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has admitted that his side must win silverware this season. 

Liverpool sit second in the table, two points behind defending champions Manchester City after 12 matches played. It is the club's joint best start to a league season since the beginning of the Premier League era; they remain unbeaten in dometsic competition so far too. 

However Wijnaldum wants to measure the team's success in trophies, starting with at least one piece of silverware to end the current campaign. 

He told the Liverpool club website: "It is good to hear, of course, but we are not playing for statistics - we are playing to win games and at the end of the season, we hope we can win something."

The Dutchman continued: "Of course it is something good when you don't concede goals because that makes it easier to win games and also suggests that we have defended well but I think you also need a little bit of luck. Of course, those figures say something about our defensive qualities, particularly at home, but we have to make sure that we continue that now and go on a new run."

Wijnaldum was keen to hail the influence of compatriot Virgil van Dijk, who has been impeccable in the herat of the 'Reds' defence since he joined the club in January. 

Of his teammate, the midfielder said:" I think Virgil has made a difference in the last line because he is a good defender, a big defender. He is an extra man who can defend set-pieces as well. He is a leader in the last line who not only helps himself with his quality but also the players next to him and so he really helps the team."

The Dutch duo are currently away on international duty, preparing for Holland's next fixture, a crunch UEFA Nations League clash with old foes Germany.