Rio Ferdinand defends £20m Liverpool player who offers ‘more than just ability’

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Rio Ferdinand has defended Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson and stated that he offers ‘more than just ability’, as he told Vibe with Five. 

The Old Trafford legend was reacting to criticism of the Liverpool captain and his role in the current England squad.

On Saturday, Henderson started England’s 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland at Wembley by playing the entire game.

And then, on Tuesday night, Jude Bellingham started in midfield for the Three Lions instead of Henderson and he won the Man of the Match award, as they saw off the Ivory Coast in another friendly encounter.

Whilst Henderson may not be selected to start for his country during the first game of their upcoming 2022 World Cup campaign, Ferdinand made it clear that a player like the £20 million signing (BBC Sport) is ‘vital’ for both club and country. 

“Jordan Henderson, when he doesn’t play for Liverpool,” said Ferdinand. “They’re not as good. They’re not. It’s a fact.

“There is a role for someone like him (in the England team) – I just think someone like Henderson offers more than just ability, in a Liverpool shirt and in an England shirt. I think he’s vital.

On if he’s starting Henderson at WC: “I think it depends on the occasion and the stage of the tournament you are in. I think there are certain times when you need experience. 

“There will be moments in games, where you need to look over your shoulder and you need someone that has been there and lifted a trophy. There aren’t many in that England squad that can say that. For that reason, he plays in that squad.” 

Harry Kane may well wear the armband, but there’s no doubt that Henderson is a leader without it.

Given the experience in his locker, aggression with and without the ball, ability to retain possession and pick out passes for fun, the Englishman’s game isn’t respected enough.

Then, on top of that, he has the composure and leadership skills to keep everyone ticking around him, both on and off the field of play.

All of that has been proven on the domestic stage and it’s a big reason why he has a Premier League and Champions League medal in his cabinet – and possibly more this season!