Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been on the wrong end of some unwarranted criticism this season, says Darren Bent.
The former England striker was previewing Liverpool’s game with Manchester City on The Kelly & Wrighty Show. Bent thinks Henderson will be crucial to The Reds on Sunday.
“It’s certainly important when you have someone like Henderson,” said Bent. “Because there will be large periods of the games when Manchester City are dominating possession and that’s when you need your Hendersons, your cool heads.
“He’ll be saying just everyone settle down and pulling people into position, rather than everyone just running here, there and everywhere.”
Bent thinks that Henderson’s qualities as a captain are irreplaceable for Jurgen Klopp.
“Even though at times people might question his ability, which I think is unfair, his leadership is something that you can’t replace.”
Well said from Bent. Henderson is often targeted on the rare occasion that things aren’t going well for Liverpool. But he is an absolute pillar of the team and will be key to The Reds’ hopes on Sunday.
Stopping de Bruyne the key for Liverpool
City have a myriad of influential players that Liverpool need to try to stop at the weekend. But above all, they need to make sure they shut down Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian has been in scintillating form for City recently. As Mohamed Salah’s form has dipped over recent months, there’s an argument that De Bruyne is currently the best player in the Premier League.
Although he has something of a fluid midfield role for Pep Guardiola, he will come up against Henderson in the midfield battle.
It’s imperative that the Liverpool captain alongside Fabinho, do everything they can to limit De Bruyne’s influence.
Shut down the 30-year-old and win the midfield battle, and The Reds will immediately have a much better chance of winning the game.
That’s easier said than done. However, Henderson’s ability to dictate the game for Liverpool shouldn’t be underestimated.
Bent is right, people don’t put Hendo in the same kind of category as De Bruyne. Perhaps he isn’t as technically gifted as the City man, but in a different way, he’s just as important to his team.
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