Danny Murphy defended Jordan Henderson on talkSPORT (16/11/20 at 11:40 am) after an England fan criticised Gareth Southgate for continually selecting him for his country.
An angry Murphy issued a frosty response and stated ‘we need him on the pitch’ for England ‘full stop’ and added that the Liverpool man is ‘the first name on the sheet’ when it comes to midfielders.
Henderson helped lift the Premier League title for Liverpool last season, including the Champions League before that and there is the sense that he isn’t appreciated enough as a footballer despite those achievements.
And whilst there is an indifferent opinion about Henderson’s qualities, Murphy was pretty clear in regards to where he stands with the combative midfielder and he didn’t take too kindly to the claims.
“Look, hold on,” said Henderson. “First and foremost, Jordan in any England midfield is the first name on the sheet. Whatever system, as simple as that. No doubt for me.
“I watch all the England games and I am telling you what I think, not what some random guy thinks. Jordan Henderson is the best England midfielder that we have got. In terms of an all-round midfielder and being a leader.
“We need him on the pitch. In any formation. Full stop. Done!”
Henderson started England’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium on Sunday and he was substituted at half-time by Gareth Southgate because he picked up a muscle injury – he has since returned to Merseyside.
If there are any critics of Henderson out there then all he will have to do is show them his medals and the role he played in midfield for Jurgen Klopp’s dominant Reds last season.
Whilst a lot is made about how he rallies the troops from the middle of the park, his decision-making, the spaces he picks up and the speed and range in which he can move the ball does go under-appreciated.
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