Roy Keane thinks Liverpool and England midfielder Jordan Henderson has been ‘doubted’ in his career because he is someone that ‘isn’t great on the eye’.
A hard-hitting midfielder who epitomises Jurgen Klopp as a character out on the pitch, Henderson has been one of Liverpool’s most successful captains.
And that’s saying something given the litany of stars that have graced that shirt.
From winning the club’s first title in 30 years to Champions League glory in Madrid, it has been some journey for the 32-year-old, who first moved to Anfield from his beloved Sunderland for £20 million (BBC Sport) back in 2011.
When he was at the Stadium of Light, then-Black Cats boss Roy Keane was the one who handed him his debut and he spoke highly about his former player, as he told ITV Sport.
“I suppose so (Henderson being doubted), maybe because he’s not great on the eye when you think of the way he plays,” said Keane.
“But he has battled his way well throughout his career. Even at Sunderland, we felt that he loved the game, as a young player, we didn’t loan and had challenges there. At Sunderland, he did very well, of course, a Sunderland lad. He had a good start.
“Then goes to Liverpool, which wasn’t easy because with Steven Gerrard still around the place, who was a great player and they were still trying to compare him.
“He then took leadership roles at Liverpool. They have been successful. He has done brilliantly with Liverpool. We have seen the stats there with the six tournaments. That’s all the stuff on the pitch.”
LAST MAJOR TOURNAMENT FOR HENDERSON?
Henderson will be 34 by the time Euro 2024 comes about, so will he still be able to make the England squad for that tournament?
There is every possibility that the recent World Cup exit to France will be his last bow on football’s biggest stage, especially given what Jurgen Klopp is planning on Merseyside.
Whilst Henderson isn’t in the firing line, the midfield is going to be refreshed during these next two transfer windows with players – yes, plural!
There could be every chance that by this time next year, Henderson’s game time is reduced, and dare it be said, taken over by the likes of Jude Bellingham
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