Jordan Henderson
As The Express puts it down, Jordan Henderson has committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new long-term deal with the club.
The 28-year-old Englishman, who currently earns £100,000-a-week, moved to Anfield from Sunderland in 2011. Since then, he has been an integral part of the team’s midfield. Henderson was handed his first start of the season by Jurgen Klopp in the game against Leicester City after making substitute appearances in each of the previous three games.
Liverpool have strengthened their midfield by signing Naby Keita. In the former RB Leipzig man, Liverpool have a more advanced version of Henderson. Keita is equally capable of playing a deep role at the heart of the midfield but he tends to show more intent while carrying the ball into the opposition’s half. The Frenchman has emerged as a regular starter in his first season at the club and that has come at the expense of Henderson.
However, it would be unfair to write the Englishman off, particularly when one considers his experience and the stability he brings to the team. And Klopp seems to know that well. He has called upon Henderson mostly in the second half to maintain the stranglehold on the opposition and preserve the lead. Hence, it is quite evident that the manager has no plans of replacing him and it’s just team dynamics that has forced the Englishman to start from the bench.
Not particularly flamboyant or eccentric in his gameplay, Henderson’s contribution to the team often goes unnoticed. He will neither make eyeballs turn nor will he get on the scoresheet on a regular basis. But few can question his commitment on the field. In fact, he gives his hundred per cent whenever he steps out in a Liverpool jersey.
Henderson has often been at the receiving end of criticism for his dull and boring style of play. Well, his game is far from negative. A player defined by commitment, hard work and athleticism, Henderson keeps the ball moving in the midfield with his good range of passing and plays a major role in cutting out opposition attacks from a deep position in the midfield.
Not only does he have the ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder but he is also quite handy as a sweeper for the backline. With his leadership qualities, he tends to dictate the tempo of the game. To sum it up in simple terms, Henderson is Liverpool’s heartbeat.
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He provides a certain sense of security that allows the likes of James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum to drift wide and link play with the deadly front three.
To conclude, Liverpool have struck gold by tying Jordan Henderson down to a long-term deal.
