Jordan Henderson has waxed lyrical about the work-rate of reported Liverpool target Jude Bellingham.
Speaking in a video on the official England Twitter page, Henderson said he sees something of himself in the 19-year-old’s mentality.
“I can see that [mentality] in Jude and it’s incredible to see for a 19-year-old,” gushed the Liverpool captain. “We’re cut from the same cloth in how we love football and dedicate our lives to the game. That helps me warm to him even more, I can see the maturity he has beyond his years.
“He’s been incredible for a large period of time now, but certainly in this tournament he’s been incredible. If I can just help a little bit with experience for him and other lads as well, I will try my best.”
Stop teasing us, Hendo!
Of course, it’s only normal that Henderson is as full of praise for Bellingham as he is. The 32-year-old is now an old head in the England dressing room. It’s well within his remit to big up the young talents coming through.
When those talents are as impressive as Bellingham is, and play in the same position as Henderson, then all the more so.
So, these kind of comments from the Liverpool midfielder shouldn’t excite us, right? He’s only saying what the rest of the football world is saying. If Harry Maguire or John Stones said the same thing, we wouldn’t assume Bellingham was joining United or City.
And yet, there does feel something so deliberate in Henderson’s relentless praise of his younger colleague.
Given how highly he rates him, professionally and personally, you can bet he’s been in Jurgen Klopp’s ear about Bellingham. He just has to have been.
And given Henderson’s influence at Anfield, and also on Bellingham, maybe that could help sway where the transfer winds are blowing.
No, perhaps not. But just as Trent Alexander-Arnold caused a stir by socialising with Jude in Qatar, Henderson’s comments will do the same here.
Stop teasing us lads! Jude, you know what to do.
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