Steven Gerrard has insisted “Jordan Henderson has got to start” against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final tonight.
It’s fairly obvious that Hendo will be leading out the Reds at the Estadio Metropolitano tonight, but we’re 100% with Stevie here.
Speaking Robbie Savage’s Champions League Final Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 5Live, cited via the Echo, the Kop legend stated:“I’ve watched him and spoke to him and said: ‘Jordan, you need to maybe try to do things yourself rather than doing the easy thing’.
“Because he’s very capable of playing the final pass or the excellent delivery in and he’s capable of scoring from the edge of the box and running into the box to set a goal up.
“Jordan will do all the dirty running and do all the covering and all the organising. I think he’s matured a lot and he’s taken more on.
If it’s anyone who deserves it more, it’s Jordan Henderson. He’s been through most of the banter era, has been criticised and questioned throughout his time (I have in the past) and told not fit enough to wear the armband.
He’s turned it around recent form, and hope he delivers. pic.twitter.com/49yxejbBAz
— Samuel 🇪🇸 (@SamueILFC) May 30, 2019
Stevie’s clearly full of praise for the captain that succeeded him at Anfield; coming from the legendary Reds midfielder it’s a huge show of confidence in Hendo’s ability.
Not just that, but his leadership qualities. Hendo’s had his detractors during his Anfield career, but we’ve always rated him – this season particularly he’s been hugely impressive in a midfield trio.
“I’ve always been a fan of Jordan Henderson,” Gerrard echoed. “I believe he’s a selfless player, I think he does a lot of work for the team that goes unnoticed.
“I know what he’s like on and off the pitch. He puts himself behind everyone else, he’s just that type of person.
“I think he’s more than capable of winning any football match that he’s playing in and I think of late, certainly since he’s been playing a further forward role, he’s taken more responsibility and has been one of Liverpool’s most consistent players. 100%.”
Like Gerrard, we completely agree that Henderson seems far more effective playing in his previous midfield role. Against Barcelona in the second leg he was imperious, effective, and a proper leader.
Tonight’s final will be the measure of a lot of players, but if – as we imagine he will – Jürgen Klopp takes Gerrard’s advice, the 28-year-old is sure to show his qualities on the pitch against Spurs.