Although he originally started in the academy for Sparta Rotterdam, Wijnaldum moved to AZ’s academy and made his first team debut under Stewart in the 2010-11 season. He played for AZ while Stewart was at the club for a total of three seasons.
- He’s a Dutch Cup champion
Wijnaldum’s first topflight trophy came while with Stewart’s AZ club in 2012-13, when he helped his team win the KNVB Cup. The leftback started the final, playing all 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven
- He’s been teammates with some United States Men’s National Team players
While with AZ, Wijnaldum laced up the boots alongside Toronto FC’s Jozy Altidore as well as fellow USMNT forward Aron Johansson
- He’s part of a family of footballers
You may also know Giliano’s brother, Liverpool and former Newcastle midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.