Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has spoken of his admiration for Jordan Henderson, following Liverpool’s victory against RB Leipzig.
The Reds beat the Bundesliga side 2-0 on Tuesday night, taking control of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Henderson again had to play at centre-back, partnering Ozan Kabak, but he did admirably in the role, helping his side return to winning ways.
Speaking on CBS [via HITC], Schmeichel was hugely impressed with the Liverpool skipper, especially considering he is playing out of position:
There were two really good performances for me, tonight. One was Jordan Henderson at centre-back.
It’s the first time I have seen him live, not off the television and playing in that position.
To transfer from midfield and being the engine in this Liverpool team, and then put so much pressure from a midfield position into a position where you have to control and contain yourself. That was very impressive. He played very well.
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Henderson wasn’t necessarily perfect in the role on Tuesday – a few lapses went unpunished, including in the dying seconds – but he has been so impressive at centre-back overall.
His quality on the ball has stood out, in particular, spraying passes from deep – he played five accurate long balls against Leipzig – while his leadership has also shone through.
Liverpool need Henderson back in midfield, but he has now shown over an extended period that he can be a reliable option at the back.
It is another string to his bow, in an increasingly impressive and legendary Reds career.
