Gary Neville has told Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football that it is “understandable” that Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has not been in good form since returning from the World Cup – describing him as a “massive player”.
Henderson, 32, has played an incredible amount of games since the start of last season. For club and country, the Reds skipper has clocked up a massive 92 games – in the space of 18 months. Last term, he played 57 times for Liverpool.
It has seen the 74-time England star become a bit of a rotational option of late. That is, despite starring at the World Cup for England – even scoring one of his three England goals in the last 16 against Senegal. He started on Monday.
Starring in the middle of the park, Henderson set the tone as Liverpool rid themselves of their awful recent form to secure three points and a clean sheet – beating Sean Dyche’s Everton to win 2-0. Neville commented on his form.
“Not come out of the World Cup well. Understandable. These players of five years have built up much responsibility, the dip they have had is unacceptable. But they will come again. He is a massive player, big personality and character.”
Neville: Understandable Liverpool midfielder Henderson not in good form
Henderson looked back to his best on Monday night. In the kind of atmosphere where he thrives – against one of the club’s bitter rivals, and the pressure on, Henderson starred. He was everywhere, before being taken off on 79 minutes.
The £20m signing clocked up his 474th appearance for the Reds. He is edging closer to a massive landmark of 500 games for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Merely, a dip in form due to his unrelenting schedule – and not a permanent drop off.
For Liverpool as a whole, the win over Everton could be the kickstart the Reds needed. With Manchester United, Spurs and Newcastle stuttering of late – there could be a late run for the top four. But, plenty would have to go their way.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
