Gini Wijnaldum admits he welcomed the competition from new signings Fabinho and Naby Keita at Liverpool.

He has since played more games for Liverpool this season than any other midfielder.

"I didn't worry when the club signed Keita and Fabinho," Wijnaldum told the Daily Mail. "You play for Liverpool. Liverpool is a top club. Even if you do well in your position, if there is another player that does well, every club wants to sign him.

"So also Liverpool wants to sign him because Liverpool is a good club. That's how it goes in top clubs. They will sign them to make the team better but I have to show the manager that I'm the best one in my position.

"A lot of players think: "OK, they signed him so I'm not needed any more", but as a player you have to show the manager and force him to put you in the team. Show your quality with the way you train and the way you play.

"The thing that irritated me was that a lot of stories appeared in the media saying I wanted to leave. It didn't bother me that Liverpool were signing players. When they signed me, they already had good players. It was annoying. I didn't like those stories.

"I spoke with the manager about it. Actually, he spoke with me. He was surprised about the stories. It was a surprise for me, too. I don't know if he really thought that I said it. The manager said 'you're not leaving' and I told him I didn't want to leave. I like Liverpool. I like the club and I like the fans. The people appreciate me. That's the most important thing."