‘Not always had the respect’: Pundit says Liverpool fans don’t appreciate one player enough

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Speaking to The Athletic, Jamie Redknapp has been discussing Jordan Henderson and how he is received by the Liverpool fanbase.

Henderson’s perception in the wider footballing world is fascinating.

At times, such as right now after a good run of form for England, his contributions to any team he plays in are thoroughly appreciated by his fans, but when he hits a bad run of form, he’s the first player that many point the finger at.

Redknapp has noticed this trend, and he says that the player hasn’t always had the respect he deserves from Liverpool fans, stating that some haven’t taken to him, quite simply, because he isn’t Steven Gerrard.

Henderson underappreciated

Redknapp discussed the England midfielder.

“It’s been great seeing Jordan Henderson being so influential for England. He’s like a manager on the field for Gareth Southgate. You need people like him around. Whenever I’ve met him, he leaves a nice mark. There’s no bad side to him. You can’t not like him,” Redknapp said.

“He’s maybe not always had the respect he’s deserved from Liverpool fans over the years because he isn’t Steven Gerrard. That’s probably been a problem for him at times but he’s got over that. When Liverpool won the Champions League and the Premier League he was in that midfield with Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum around him. They had great legs in there.”

Legend

As strange as it sounds, Redknapp may be right about Henderson.

Liverpool fans are usually a very appreciative fanbase, but for some reason, there isn’t the love for Henderson that there has been for other players over the years.

When all is said and done, Henderson will genuinely go down as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever captains, and when he’s long retired, his record will speak for itself.

As brilliant as Gerrard was, the reality is that Henderson has lifted more trophies for Liverpool as a captain, but for some reason, he doesn’t get the acclaim that you’d expect a bona fide club legend to get at Anfield.