Jordan Henderson described as the ‘best midfielder in the world’ by Flamengo boss
Flamengo boss Jorge Jesus was full of praise for Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson this week, calling him ‘the best midfielder in the world.’
If I had told you a few years ago that Jordan Henderson would one day be seriously considered as the best midfielder in the world by the head coach of the best South American football team, you would have laughed your socks off. Fast forward to now, and Henderson’s transformation under Jurgen Klopp’s tutelage has earned him endless praise from all corners of the footballing world.
The man who called him the best midfielder in the world? Well, that would be Flamengo boss Jorge Jesus, who’s team went face-to-face with Henderson and Liverpool in the Club World Cup final last month, losing by a narrow 1-0 margin in extra time.
Jorge Jesus said the following on CMTV:
"“Henderson is the most effective midfielder on this planet in his place,…[Jurgen Klopp] by no means sacks him, however, the two offensive midfielders, [Naby] Keita and [Georginio] Wijnaldum, typically are changed. The others gamers are at all times the identical.”"
Henderson was typically used at the base of midfield before Liverpool fully integrated Fabinho into the starting XI at around this point last year. Henderson is a natural number 8, and his best form indeed came when Fabinho was sitting behind him doing the dirty work while the Englishman was allowed to push up further and be more creative.
A generational Liverpool side. A side whose captain continues to be underrated and under appreciated. The front three is incredible. The back four impenetrable. But Jordan Henderson is tying everything together. A real captain. A proper captain. A man who will run forever.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) January 2, 2020
Fabinho is now out injured, which means Henderson has had to revert back to playing at the base of midfield. However, he has kept up the strong form as Liverpool continue to look unbeatable in their race for a Premier League title.
Jurgen Klopp also had a response to Jorge Jesus’ claims this week:
"“Yes, he’s exceptional, yes, he’s outstanding…If anyone who is with us doesn’t see the quality of Jordan Henderson I can’t help him. Is Hendo the perfect football player? No. Do I know anybody who is? No. Is he unbelievably important to us? Yes.”"
It’s safe to say that Jurgen Klopp most definitely understands the qualities that Henderson has been bringing to the team of late, and over the past couple seasons. It’s unlikely that they would be as successful as they are now if he wasn’t in the team.
Next. Liverpool can beat anyone in any way. dark
It’s hard to imagine that a kid from Sunderland, who was heading towards being a flop just a few years ago, could now be considered one of the best midfielders, if not the best, in the world.