There's been no bigger critic of Jordan Henderson over the last few months than myself. He came with a big price tag and didn't hit the road running. He has been involved in a jostling contest between himself, Shelvey, Allen, Cole and about a zillion other players. But now is the time to give the lad his chance. Shelvey can be frustratingly inconsistent although he has some very good attacking qualities. He'll develop in time. Cole has obviously gone to West Ham and I wish him every luck. Leiva will come back into the side as a regular going forward as we need that balance so that Gerrard can link up with Suarez and now Sturridge.
But Joe Allen has to be given the bench for the next few months. From what I've seen this season he slows play down, isn't strong enough in the tackle, generally looks for the negative pass and curtails all of Liverpool's attacking momentum. Liverpool are at their WORST, when they play a slow ponderous possession style game. This is what Allen brings to the team. Gerrard, Suarez and now Sturridge are off the cuff players that need an element of dynamism in the final third to get the better of their markers. Allen hasn't got these qualities.
I do however feel that Henderson has. He is strong, can see a good pass and his finishing of late has been excellent. To put it frankly, the boy needs a prolonged run of games free from team rotation and all that other nonsense. The lad is young, fresh, eager and hungry. He also has something that a few Liverpool players lack and that is that little bit of naughtiness, that little bit of nastiness and he isn't afraid to put his body on the line and play the dirty game. His effort also cannot be questioned, which is half the battle in the eyes of the fans.
Henderson deserves praise lately and rightly so.
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