I have been one of the harshest critics of some players and the whole team of recent, but it rally irks me when people mention Henderson in the same breath as Downing and Carroll as being expensive flops. Be bought the England U21 captain with bags of PL appearances for £16m and yet he is an easy target for some people...why? Phil 'Own goal' Jones cost the same and Alex Oxlade 'Never played a PL game' Chamberlain was bought for a similar amount yet their transfer fees were never questioned. Last night I thought Henderson was fantastic, he is never spectacular for entire games but he had several great first time passes that opened up City's defence, he is mature on the ball and barely puts a foot wrong. He's a professional off the field and works very hard, always stays behind in training. He has a bright future at this Club.
For a 21 year old, he's calm and composed on the ball. I think his passing is pretty sharp and crisp and has a good all round technique which can only improve. Not only that, he's hard working! He has a bright future IMO.
I think the problem is that the Unit hasn't been performing well, and comparisons with the team in the second half of last season will be made. On top of this, its always hardest for a midfield player to shine. You're not a winger making incisive runs, or a full back on the overlap; you're not a striker scoring or getting the keeper to make unbelievable saves, and you're not centreback making last ditch challenges or telling interceptions. Central midfield is the hardest area to impress in. Lucas took a long time to impress in that role, even when he was doing well, he had a lot of critics still harping on about how he wasn't Alonso. Hendo is in the same boat. With about 80% of central midfielders, you have to fail to notice them before you realise they're just making the team tick, simple distribution, breaking up attacks and making good decisions. Its only when things are going wrong that you notice so-and-so has 'gone missing' or is being passed around and isolated that you 'see' them.
Gerrard and Hendo are both trying to cover the absense of a propper DM from what I can see, and neither are going to shine as a result for taking one for the team. Even when Spearing comes back, there'll be Suarez, Bellamy and Gerrard taking the limelight with their undoubted quality whilst Hendo will quietly do his job. Deffinitely a future for this lad at the club, he looks the part. But whilst there are big stars at this club, he seems happy sitting and learning and I like that. Hendo-Lucas partnership or even with Spearing as a trio in two years time would not be bad!
Sunderland fan here, Hendo is a good young player but most of us mackems are of the opinion that he'll never be a top class player, his technique is excellent, he has a hell of an engine and he has a good pair of feet but the problem is that whilst every now and then he finds a wonderful pass, the majority of the time he doesn't spot the run and just passes sideways, he can't shoot for toffee either, that said particularly under the watch of he could develop into a very solid premier league player, unfortunately I can't ever see him ring in the same class as gerrard. Take good care of him though, you'll never find a more level headed and hard working guy
Ha ha like I say, he does have great technique but he doesn't test the keeper enough, I know he's a young lad but 3 goals in 70+ games for us, don't get me wrong if he adds goals to his game you'd have a great little player
You are 100% right there StJohn, I remember when Gerrard first started out... I didn't want to see him starting, I wanted us to buy someone similar to the ability of Figo instead. In the end I believe we got someone on the same level, if not better. Believe me I am still pissed off with our league form and the purchase of Carroll not working out and Downing not doing what is expected. But I see the youth players we are bringing in and I am feeling positive for the future. Just hope the likes of Henderson, Coates, Sterling, Shelvey, Coady and some of the newer additions go on to win several titles at the Club.
I think he will become a very good player, his engine for me is the best thing about him he does'nt stop closing people down all game, he remind's me of how Lucas was a couple of year's ago all Hendo need's is to add some consistentsy and he will be a very good player.
Agree on all points, he has shown the glimpses unlike the other two ( although Downing was much better last night). Carroll is the one I feel we should think hard about what he brings to the table, does he want to be here, and does he have the drive to make it? He is the one I can see going first. I want players like Henderson as he does have good skills and a great engine. He also has the professional attitude and mentality that will enable him to succeed.
I watched him develop at Sunderland lads. His best position by far is RW. He can't tackle though. Good passer, really level headed, genuine nice lad from a nice family. I hope he goes on to really shine for you & I wish him all the best.
He has looked much better when he's played centrally for us, seems a bit lost when playing wide right to be honest. I'll bow to your knowledge, having seen much more of him than we have though!
The media love it though. I'd say the ONLY flops have been downing and Carroll. Henderson is young, enthusiastic and shows real promise. For 16 million (6 million plus 10 million English player inflation) what else are u going to expect? Phil Jones hasn't exactly set the world alight and he cost quite a bit more. As for Adam, he's not been on form all the time but then again, we paid almost nothing for him and I reckon we'd get at least 10 million for him right now! Bellamy, Suarez and Enrique need no explanation. so 2 out of 7 buys have been poor, not that bad eh? just a shame they had to cost so much though...
I have been indifferent upon Henderson since his arrival from Sunderland, but his recent performances has made me realise why we forked out so much for him. Think the change in form is his positional change to CM, he sometimes gets lost in a game down the right but in the centre has a good engine and can see a big future for him at the club. The next Gerrard? I don't think so unfortunately, A solid replacement? Certainly.
I agree with the OP. I didn't expect to see much from Hendo this season, feeling that he would probably flourish next season, but he's shown flashes here and there that are encouraging for the future. Certainly not in the same category as Downing, who as a 27 year old should really be hitting the ground running, or Carroll, whose performances are ominous yet I'm willing to reserve judgement.
I really rate hendo and I always mention him when talking about Kenny & DC more successful transfers. People seem to forget his age
i think the sunderland fan is kind of interesting seeing gareth barry and mr parker as square ball merchants and are lauded. the mackem plraised every element of henderson's game but vision... well if you get a lad with all those assets you can really make something of him. I think the lad neve rmakes a mistake, not like adam and i think his work ethic will see him succeed... the henderson bashers should rememebr one word LUCAS. its amazing the similarities of two young men thrown in and played constantly due to us not having othe roptions.... if hednerson is as vital for us when he is 25 i'll be very happy and he'll be a total bargain.
Thanks for the info, he's had a good start to life here. He is defo one for the future and a useful player to have now. I thought Downing played well last night and needs to keep that kind of display coming.
Downing has the pace to get past people but he's lacking confidence so he just cuts inside all the time.
