Personally i think there could be a benefit of having little experience and allowing naivety to take over, it'll cost us points but possibly nick us some. Having a team of raw, quick goal machines would be class.
Going to need a few players to get 10+ goals and assists this season. We only had 2 get 10+ G/A last season (Isidor and Mayenda) with only Isidor getting 10+ goals. Fairly sure Mundle would've hit both if he played more than he did though. Would also be nice if someone can get to 15+ G/A, Wolves had Cunha and Larsen who got 21 and 18, West Ham had Bowen with 21, Palace had Eze and Mateta who got to 16 each, Brentford had Mbuemo and Wissa who got 27 and 23, Fulham had Jimenez and Iwobi get 15 each. Think it's important we have consistent threats in forward areas, ones who can produce moments even when we're under the cosh.
For free it's an absolute no-brainer. He gives us something that we don't have and can't really buy. He's a winner with vast experience. He will be driving standards day in, day out. He'll also be able to come off the bench and bring instructions and discipline with him in key moments and help us manage games. He's not just any experienced player either, he's one of our own. He'll have motivation to do all of that work off the pitch and help set the levels we need to be a Premier League club for the long term. I'd rather we sign him as an additional midfielder and have 1 too many rather than not sign him at all.
It's going to be a long hard slog of a season, having Neil and Henderson could be massive for us. His experience and leadership qualities are second to none and would be invaluable to such a young squad. He could probably have a pick of teams and if he comes home that speaks volumes, that will rub off on the players.
I understand why people and the club want him. Just from what i've seen from him at Ajax I don't think on the field he's good enough from a defensive and mobility standpoint. He's still extremely good on the ball though.
As long as his demands are reasonable, I’d be surprised if Henderson doesn’t end up here. We’ll focus on youth and on a free this feels like an open goal for speakman to get some experience in, especially with his ties to the club. Have to be a hefty cut for me though, can’t be one of our top earners when I doubt he’ll start the majority of games, said before I wouldn’t have him here, but we shall see.
Wonder when the last time we signed a player whose last game had been a competitive game for England?
Don't know about others, but I'd always been under the assumption that if Henderson did sign, he'd be used in 20/25 games, when we want two 6's, or to cover for injuries, suspensions or loss of form. I've never expected him to start every game. Think it's worth doing if wages are right.