Roy Keane used Jurgen Klopp when making a point about Jordan Henderson last night. The Liverpool captain scored for England.
Jordan Henderson scored what was almost certainly the biggest goal of his career last night. He got on the end of Jude Bellingham’s pass across goal to slot home for 1-0 against Senegal.
That put England well on their way to a win in the World Cup’s last 16 and sets up a quarter-final meeting with France. Henderson was hardly the favourite to grab the opener but he managed it – earning plaudits in the process.
It’s a big moment for the Liverpool captain. Henderson has had far more than his fair share of detractors over the years, with many questioning his place in the side for both club and country. Despite those questions, Jurgen Klopp has always stuck with him.
Roy Keane backed Klopp’s judgement on Henderson over many of the critics he has received. For those who have doubted the player, he points to his time under the German as proof of his quality.
“I’ve never had any doubt with Jordan, Jordan can produce,” said Keane on ITV. “He’s been a rock-solid professional player. Jordan is an excellent player and just as important, excellent character and personality.
“Klopp has been playing him for a long time. If he wasn’t sure on him, he wouldn’t be playing.”
Roy Keane hails Jordan Henderson
It’s always been one of the most bizarre things about Henderson’s criticism. Here’s arguably the world’s best manager consistently backing him in his best XI over seven years – and winning everything. It would be one thing if Liverpool struggled with Henderson in the middle but it’s been quite the opposite.
The Reds have always looked better with their captain and England do, too. Klopp backed him despite calls for new signings to replace Henderson, he’s backed him over all of his other midfield options. The player paid that faith back by leading the Reds to their most successful period in decades.
Now he’s scoring goals in the World Cup knockout stage. As Keane points out, Klopp might just know what he’s been doing over the last seven years.
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