Ex-Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has described Jordan Henderson as a ‘normal player’ in a critique of the Liverpool captain on Dutch TV.
Henderson is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue after being substituted in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United.
The skipper signed a new three-year contract in 2021, and played the most minutes of any midfielder for the Reds last season.
As quoted by VI.nl, Van der Vaart believes that the Champions League and Premier League winner is an average player alongside his compatriots James Milner and Joe Gomez.
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Van der Vaart said: “I think we have become a bit blinded. We suddenly think Jordan Henderson is a crazy player."
“That’s just a very normal player. James Milner is also a very normal player. Joe Gomez is also a very normal player.”
It would seem a little harsh to call a very successful mainstay in a top Liverpool side ‘normal’, especially in the way that Henderson has achieved his success.
After coming through the ranks at Sunderland, he joined Liverpool for £16m under Kenny Dalglish.
He was initially out of favour with new boss Brendan Rodgers, who wanted to swap the then 22-year-old for Clint Dempsey.
But the Brit refused the move, fought his way into the side and was crucial in Liverpool’s 2013/14 title challenge.
He was named vice-captain before taking over from Steven Gerrard upon his exit, and has lifted the Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Carabao Cup and FA Cup, as well as the Community Shield at the start of this season.
Milner and Gomez have also been involved in all of these victories.
Henderson could have inherited a poisoned chalice when succeeding Steven Gerrard, but now is held amongst the highest regard of Reds captains in the club’s illustrious history.
Topics: Liverpool, Jordan Henderson
Chris Stonadge