Henderson hailed as “world-class” by Richards

Jordan Henderson has been hailed as a “world-class” footballer by former Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

The Liverpool captain has spent his career being a divisive figure, with some claiming he is vastly underrated and other bemoaning his limitations.

Henderson’s stock has risen in the last 18 months or so, however, following a good World Cup with England and securing Champions League glory with the Reds.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Richards outlined why he believes the 29-year-old deserves to be spoken of as an elite player:

You’d argue Henderson’s world-class, because of what he’s done and consistency and whatnot.

He’s won a European Cup, he’s been consistent over the last three or four years. Yeah, it really is [hard to write off a Champions League-winning captain].

You know what, I’m going to go with that statement, I’m going to say Henderson is world-class and a lot of the work that he does goes unnoticed because he’s not getting 10 assists a season or scoring 10 goals a season.

I was referring to on the field but off the field as well. I’ve played with Henderson and he’s just an honest guy who would run through brick walls for you, he’s willing to improve, he wants the team to be at its best.

When Liverpool first signed him a lot of people were raising their eyebrows but now I think we have to start giving him the credit that he’s due.

I watched him in the Liverpool-Man City game and he just doesn’t stop running.

Read Liverpool Verdict

Henderson will divide opinion until the moment he hangs up his boots, so there are sure to be varying reactions to Richards’ comments.

In truth, the Liverpool skipper isn’t a world-class player, but he is still a formidable one.

He offers so much to the Reds when he is on form and his leadership skills have improved rapidly.

To put him in the same bracket as the best midfielders in the world is going too far, but his qualities remain undervalued by many.