Liverpool’s vice-captain became only the 13th player to hit the landmark in last Saturday’s 4-0 victory at AFC Bournemouth, a game in which he filled in at right-back with typical diligence.
And Wijnaldum has spoken of his admiration for his teammate’s unwavering dedication to his profession.
“It is [incredible to reach 500 PL games], and also that he is still so fit. He’s a machine,” the Netherlands international says, on the latest edition of LFC Later.
“We always see him in the gym and sometimes I’ll say: ‘James, you might take a little bit of rest!’
“But he is always busy to keep his body as fit as possible so for me it’s not a surprise that he’s made so many appearances.
“Against Bournemouth he played as a right defender so I told him he’d played in every position and he said: ‘Except in goal, so if we’ve used three substitutes and the goalkeeper gets a red card, it’s me!’”
Wijnaldum also discusses topics including Napoli, Manchester United and Virgil van Dijk on LFC Later, which premieres on LFCTV at 9pm GMT on Thursday.