Kenny Cunningham has claimed that he’s spotted signs that Jordan Henderson is ‘deteriorating’ at Liverpool.
Henderson joined the Reds for £20 million in 2011 and has proven a wonderful addition, evident by the fact that he has captained the Anfield outfit to a Champions League and Premier League title in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
However, the former Sunderland midfielder turns 32 in June and is very much in the twilight of his career in terms of influence.
At least, that’s the view of the former Republic of Ireland international, who believes that Henderson – substituted for Naby Keita in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Manchester City – is physically declining now.
He told Off the Ball in Ireland: “Now over the past year I’m just looking at Jordan Henderson and just feeling as if there is a drop off now of his performance levels.
“He certainly stays at the football club, such is his importance in the dressing room in terms of his influence around the team, you don’t get rid of that too easy. I just get that feeling, over the last six months, that he may not be able to influence games as he has done previously, just due to the deterioration in his physical condition.”
Honestly, Cunningham is right and Liverpool will need to look to the long term this summer.
Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards are clearly trying to build the next generation of Reds stars, evident by their signings of Harvey Elliott and Kaide Gordon in recent years.
But midfield is an area Liverpool definitely need to strengthen because Henderson and Thiago are both over 30, while Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain aren’t reliable due to injury history.
Henderson might have another season or two at this level, playing twice a week for much of the campaign, but there will come a time when his body won’t allow him that luxury any longer and it’s Klopp’s job to ensure that he’ll be replaced – both on and off the field.
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