Liverpool captain criticised after EFL Cup exit at hands of Southampton.
Jordan Henderson has had quite a journey since signing for Liverpool, going from nearly being sold to being awarded the captain’s armband.
Last night was a black mark against his candidacy to continue as Liverpool skipper in the long term, with the midfielder failing to step up when he was needed.
It is perhaps too easy to compare him to Reds legend Steven Gerrard, but last night’s semi-final at Anfield was a game in which Henderson’s predecessor would have stepped up in.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson clashes with Southampton’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Henderson was instead anonymous, failing to spark the team into life as they chased a 1-0 first leg deficit against a resilient Southampton side.
Liverpool have perhaps become spoiled by the magic of Anfield on night’s like these, expecting a miraculous moment to turn the game on it’s head in their favour.
Unfortunately for Liverpool last night it never came, and they were hit with a sucker punch as Shane Long netted an injury time strike after an effective counter attack to give the Saints a 2-0 aggregate defeat.
Southampton’s Shane Long scores their first goal
Neither Henderson or midfield partner Emre Can were effective, and last night showed that as a partnership, they are not creative enough. More is expected from both players, but the armband places an extra burden on Henderson.
Here is a look at how Liverpool fans reacted to Henderson’s display…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
