Ian Wright praises Jordan Henderson, but predicts he’ll be ‘phased out’

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Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright has heaped praise on Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson, but reckons it could be the beginning of the end for him as a regular.

The 29-year-old scored a rare goal at the weekend in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur to equalise for the Reds, before Mo Salah made sure of all three points with a penalty.

Henderson starting the game was not a popular decision with all Liverpool fans, many of whom wanted to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain given a chance following his two goals against Genk in the Champions League.

Henderson did OK on the day though and came in for a positive assessment from Arsenal legend Wright.

Speaking BBC Radio 5 Live, he said (Liverpool Echo): “Whatever we say about Jordan Henderson, for him to be pushed out on to that right-hand side and for him to come up with the goal, that is how you win leagues, players like that.

“You can see slowly, he’s not going to get into that midfield in the future of where Liverpool are going. This could be the first knockings of the ‘phasing out’.

“He’s come out and whatever you say about the way he has played, the substitutions, how he’s been taken off, he gets on with it and that’s how you win leagues. Players like him help you win leagues.”

TBR’s view- Henderson can still play key role

Despite Oxlade-Chamberlain providing a reminder of his talents, Henderson should still have a massive role to play this season.

He may not have the creative prowess, but he will run through bricks walls for the Reds and is a brilliant leader.

He is a big part of that tried and tested ‘workhorse’ midfield that has worked so well for Jurgen Klopp over the past couple of years, so that ‘phasing out’ may not happen for a little while yet.