Jordan Henderson isn’t a world-class player, according to former England striker Darren Bent.
Henderson has overcome a tough start at Liverpool, becoming an undisputed Reds legend over time.
The 30-year-old is now in his 10th season at Anfield and has lifted both the Champions League and Premier League trophies as captain in the last two years.
Henderson has always been a divisive player when it comes to his standing as a footballer and Bent has had his say on the matter.
Speaking on talkSPORT, via HITC, the ex-Premier League marksman praised the Liverpool skipper, but said he isn’t at an elite level:
You would have him [Henderson] as world-class? I wouldn’t have Jordan as world-class. I think there is a little bit of a difference between influential players because that’s certainly what he is.
He’s a leader for Liverpool, the way he plays, the way he presses, the way he works hard and drives his team on. I think there is a difference between influential and world-class.
Jordan did fantastic for Liverpool, he’s their captain and their leader, but [comparing him] with Roy Keane? The guy won seven Premier League titles or something crazy like that.
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Depending on what you classify as a world-class player, I think Bent’s assessment is actually fair.
Henderson is an excellent footballer, and has now proved that over a long period, with his quality often overlooked become of the industrious side to his game.
When he is missing Liverpool often struggle, as was highlighted in the 7-2 humiliation at the hands of Aston Villa last month.
That being said, Henderson isn’t among the top four or five players in the world in his position, so I think it is hard to label him as truly world-class.
He is the type of player you only fully appreciate when he plays for your team, but his achievements in recent times will mean he is remembered forever, particularly by Reds supporters.
