Jordan Henderson – Flop or Future?

Signed from Sunderland for 20 million pounds, 22 years of age, scored 2 goals and made 3 assists in all competitions.

Jordan Henderson’s not had the best season to say the least. Let’s put things into perspective now, he was played out of position for most of the season. It is widely known that his natural position is in the middle of the park but he was deployed on the right wing more often than not. Some of his better performances came when he was played in the middle i.e. when he came on against United when we played them at home and in the 2nd half against Everton at Anfield.

He displayed his ability to attract defenders to him and play incisive balls through when given the space. When occasionally played in the middle of the park he was constantly pressed and denied space forcing him to hoof aimless balls up the pitch or make pointless passes sideways or backwards. Jordan thrives on space. With space he can create. The reason he performed so well against Everton and was that Gerrard and Spearing sat deep in midfield allowing him to push up and work with space. Against United Gerrard sat back into midfield, again allowing Henderson space to work with.

Under Rodgers, I believe he will shine, center-midfielders will become the focus of the team, movement, space creation and quick passes are essential to his tiki-taka game. If this space and movement is successfully created, Jordan will flourish. He’s a fantastic prospect and at the tender age of 22 he will only improve. His talent is undeniable and well recognized. Steve Bruce rated him highly and he wasn’t made U-21 England skipper for nothing.

I have no doubt in King Kenny’s judgement, he’s not one to splash 20 million on a 22 year old for no good reason.

YNWA