- Tony Cascarino praises Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson after win over Newcastle
- Pundit compares captain to Fernandinho, N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic
- SEE MORE: Mohamed Salah wins another award to continue incredible season
Tony Cascarino admits he is bemused by the lack of praise Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson receives and often wonders if he is alone in recognising his impact.
The pundit has paid tribute to the midfielder after his standout performance in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle, in which Henderson served as a leading figure in enforcing Jurgen Klopp’s desired aggression.
Rarely does the skipper reel in the credit he so often deserves for the manner in which he sets the tone with his work ethic and urgency on the ball.
Discussing Henderson in his column for the Times, Cascarino wrote: “When I hear fans criticising Jordan Henderson I think: ‘am I watching a different game.’ He is as important to Liverpool as all their flair players.”
“He keeps things simple, he robs the ball off the opposition and brings energy to the midfield. He also chips in with the odd goal.”
“I was talking about this on the radio yesterday and someone said that he’s not as good as Nemanja Matic at Manchester United, but I don’t see it.”
“Matic, Fernandinho and Manchester City and N’Golo Kanté at Chelsea get the praise for that role, but Henderson does it as well as anyone else.”
Another pleasing aspect of Henderson’s display was how well he fared alongside Emre Can, with the two no.6s having appeared to play better without the other beside them in the past.
Henderson staked a strong claim for a start in next week’s visit to Old Trafford, reminding all of the vigour required in a crucial matchup with Manchester United.
Make of Cascarino’s comparisons what you will, but there can be no disregard for Henderson’s value in dictating the tempo of Liverpool’s game and spearheading the press when fully fit.