A number of Liverpool fans have voiced their agreement with comments made by pundit and former Reds player Phil Thompson about club captain Jordan Henderson.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the ex-Liverpool defender feels that the absence of the 29-year-old, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, has been sorely felt in the last two games, with the Reds needing to come from behind to beat West Ham at home before losing 3-0 at Watford.
In comments that were later shared by @AnfieldWatch on Twitter, Thompson said: “The last two games have shown the importance of Jordan Henderson to this side. Not only what he brings as a midfield player, but he would have been demanding a lot more from the players on the pitch, talking to them controlling them, and asking more from their performances. He is the leader and has the presence on the pitch so Liverpool are missing him at the minute.”
Phil Thompson: “The last two games have shown the importance of Jordan Henderson to this side. Not only what he brings as a midfield player, but he would have been demanding a lot more from the players. He is the leader & has the presence on the pitch.” ?pic.twitter.com/eEjUJaWmpD
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) March 2, 2020
Henderson has indeed been a key presence for Liverpool over the course of the season. He had missed only one Premier League game prior to his injury, with the Reds conceding as many goals in their last two matches without him (five) as they had in the previous 13 with him in the side. [via TransferMarkt]
No-one in Jurgen Klopp’s squad has won more tackles per game (2.2) this term and only five players can better his 84.5% passing success rate (as per WhoScored). Last month, Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer claimed that the Reds’ captain would be a deserving winner of the PFA Player of the Year award (BBC, via Goal.com).
These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to agree with Thompson about his praise of Henderson, who one supporter described as an “unsung hero“:
Unsung hero this season in my opinion. Certainly the leader on the pitch.
— Rich Baker (@RJB04) March 2, 2020
I’ve said this so many times. Henderson makes firm sprints on the 85th minute, which leaves his players no choice but to follow suit. He is a hardworking captain. He is a real miss.
— Sumlenze (@Smlenzes) March 2, 2020
Couldn’t agree more. Come back soon #Henderson
— DarrenW (@DarrenW40855901) March 2, 2020
Totally agree, I actually think he is more important as a captain than Gerrard was in that particular role
— Geoff James (@Geoff_James1) March 2, 2020
Exactly
— mark fowler (@markie1970) March 2, 2020
Completely agree
— Jason Duffy (@Duffy79Jason) March 2, 2020
Liverpool fans, what did you make of Thompson’s verdict on the club captain? How much has Henderson been missed recently? Comment below with your views!