Sam Allardyce heaped praise on Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson for his display in the 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday.
The former England manager during the Reds’ clash with the Gunners heaped praise on Liverpool’s captain for keeping his side’s attack flowing and claimed that the 29-year-old was unfairly criticised.
“He’s been an unsung hero today as he has played some terrific balls to keep these Liverpool balls going left and right and sometimes I think he is unfairly criticised for what he actually gives Liverpool,” said Allardyce on talkSPORT (18:59, Saturday, August 24th).
“That’s why we see Jurgen Klopp have so much faith in him.”
Laura Woods then asked Allardyce for his Man of the Match, an award that goes to the most reliable performer on talkSPORT, after the game had concluded and the unattached manager replied by gushing about Henderson further.
“Jordan Henderson as the most reliable performer from start to finish,” added Allardyce on talkSPORT (19:23pm, Saturday, August 24th).
“It was very close with Virgil van Dijk but obviously Virgil van Dijk didn’t have a lot to do today, but Jordan Henderson consistently breaking up Arsenal’s possession and his balls forward keeping Liverpool’s attack flowing, I thought he was outstanding and it was a very consistent performance throughout the 90 minutes at Anfield.”
OPINION
Henderson was a surprise pick for Man of the Match against Arsenal by Allardyce, as the likes of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino wowed to the point of stealing headlines, but it’s easy to see why he picked the midfielder. Firstly the manager clearly feels Henderson deserves more recognition for his performances, as he highlighted how he doesn’t get the credit he deserves, and secondly because the 29-year-old did keep the Reds’ midfield ticking over on Saturday. The Liverpool captain touched the ball 65 times, as per WhoScored, against the Gunners, and made 50 passes, achieving a pass completion rate of 84% (Source: WhoScored), in order to keep his side going. Henderson notably played six accurate long balls forward, only midfield enforcer Fabinho played more, and showed his ability to pop up on the flank as he attempted three crosses (Source: WhoScored). While none of Henderson’s crosses found their mark, the fact he was getting in positions to fire the balls into the box, shows how he was covering so much ground against Arsenal and trying to grind out an even bigger win for his side.
