Manchester United are set to face their fierce rivals at Anfield on Monday.
Paul Merson – All Stars XI
Ex Arsenal legend turned Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has risked the ire of Manchester United fans after claiming he would pick Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson ahead of France star Paul Pogba – the Red Devils’, and the world’s most expensive signing – on current form.
Speaking ahead of the North-West derby, set to take place on Monday night, Merson told Sky Sports that he thinks Henderson has been superb this season, and would have to get picked over Pogba in a contest between the two, at least on what has been seen so far.
“Today, Jordan Henderson,” Merson said when urged to pick between the two.
“Over the next 10 years, I don’t know – it probably should be Pogba considering how much money they spent. Henderson has been as good as anybody in the Premier League. Credit where credit is due, he’s been outstanding. Pogba has been struggling.”
Henderson captained England over the international break, having helped Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side to within two points of top spot in the Premier League this season. In contrast, 23-year-old superstar Pogba has had a mixed return to English football since completing what ESPN say swas a £89 million move from Juventus in the summer.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba
He has shown flashes of his quality, but has been unable to help his midfield dominate teams in recent weeks, and has just one goal to his name in his eight appearances.
Henderson has also found the net the one just the one time, but he has assisted his teammates in scoring, while the Reds have blown away a number of sides with their dominant pressing style, of which the 26-year-old is a vital member.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson celebrates
France international Pogba is likely to continue to be judged by his world record transfer fee, until he begins to regularly demonstrate the qualities of one of the top players in the world, although it wouldn’t be a surprise if he hits top gear the more he gets used to the Premier League.
Henderson suffered his own judgement after arriving at Anfield from Sunderland for a large amount of money, but Pogba’s switch from Juventus was unusual in the sense that it blew all previous deals out of the water – somewhat of a surprise considering that the previous record breaking deals were all for players capable of netting 30+ goals a season.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their fourth goal against Leicester
But what do you think – would you rather have Jordan Henderson or Paul Pogba in your starting lineup?
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