Liverpool are set to tie down midfielder Jordan Henderson on a five-year-deal (£100K-a-week), ending any speculation about his future. The England international has been linked with Manchester City, with the dethroned Premier League champions searching for homegrown talent due to new regulations expected to be introduced in the future. However, the former Sunderland midfielder looks to have committed his future to the Merseysiders.
After a bad week for Liverpool in the League and FA Cup, Henderson inching closer to signing a new deal is certainly good news, considering he has been a vital player of the side over the last two seasons. His debut campaign was far from impressive, as he was played out of position, and he struggled to settle down, but under Brendan Rodgers – as many predicted – his style of play was deemed perfect in the middle of the park. The Liverpool manager loves the high-pressing approach which fits the England man perfectly.
Henderson is an industrious midfielder, boasts a wide range of passing, has a great eye for goal, creates scoring opportunities for his teammates, and protects the back four while making important tackles and interceptions. He has emerged as the leader at the heart of the side, commanding the players around him on the pitch. There are few, if any, midfielders of Henderson’s ilk, and his importance continues to grow under Rodgers.
This season, the 24-year-old has made 31 Premier League appearances, scoring six goals, and giving eight assists. In addition to creating 53 chances, he has performed 74 tackles and 28 interceptions, and completed a total of 1368 short passes. Henderson is the ideal central midfielder, and he has helped shore things up at the back too, with Liverpool keeping 13 clean sheets.
It is clear to see why Manchester City would be interested in him. Henderson covers every blade of grass in games, and is a well-rounded talent performing in a key area of the pitch. Considering how much criticism has been directed at Yaya Toure way this season, the Liverpool vice-captain could be a perfect replacement to usher in a new era for the Citizens. However, the Reds are set to lock down their Steven Gerrard successor for the long-term, which could be key for their trophy success in the future.
Are there any better homegrown players in the Premier League doing Jordan Henderson’s job better than he is? Ander Herrera is impressing for Manchester United, while Francis Coquelin has been a revelation for Arsenal since his recall, but have Liverpool tied down the best in the Premier League?
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