- Garth Crooks includes Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson in Team of the Week
- Midfielder starred in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane also named in team
- SEE MORE: Mohamed Salah beats fierce competition to win yet another vote…
Garth Crooks has made one Team of the Week selection all Liverpool fans finally ought to get on board with.
The BBC Sport pundit has paid special recognition to captain Jordan Henderson for his star performance in Saturday’s win over Newcastle.
Henderson spearheaded Jurgen Klopp’s desire intensity and high press, leading by example with his aggression in a bid to hold down a starting spot.
Wide-spread praise marked a welcomed change from the usual influx of criticism and mixed reviews of the Englishman, arguably unwarranted in a prospering season for Liverpool.
Explaining his choice on BBC Sport, Crooks wrote: “We know he can run all day, he is committed and puts his foot in. However, it was Jordan Henderson’s ability to do what Steven Gerrard used to do every week for years at Liverpool – to ‘spread the love’ – that stood out against Newcastle.”
“Henderson’s ability to hit every pass in the coaching manual was clearly evident against the Magpies. If the Liverpool captain keeps playing like this he’s a must for England’s starting line-up in Russia.”
It served as a clinic of fine captaincy as the midfielder oozed the vigour and passion at the centre of his best periods in his time on Merseyside.
An apparent reluctance to highlight his contributions seems incredibly unjustified at times given the niggling injury issues that have hindered him from finding any rhythm this season.
What makes his display at the weekend so impressive was the ease at which he slotted back into the side and asserted himself as a leading figure in enforcing his manager’s approach.
There’s no denying the stability he offers as part of Liverpool’s midfield three, mopping up danger and opting for the correct moments to both calm the tempo of the game and show some urgency.
Where possible, it’s only right to give the skipper the credit he whole-heartedly deserves.