Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk says Gini Wijnaldum is a key to the squad's harmony.

Van Dijk has revealed how the midfielder delivered an emotional speech before the ­Champions League Final against Tottenham in Madrid in June to rally Liverpool to an epic 2-0 ­victory.

Van Dijk said: “Gini is a ­brilliant man when it comes to ­giving a speech.

“When we were about to go on to the pitch for the biggest game of the year in Madrid, suddenly it was Gini who said, 'Hang on, boys, let's all get together here'.

“We formed a tight circle right there in the dressing room and Gini started to talk.

“He said all the right things, he really went for it and I could feel I was getting a lump in my throat.

“It was so special what he said – and it was so perfect.

“Gini is such a warm person."