Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has responded to a claim from Trent Alexander-Arnold that he is “criminally underrated” as a player.
The Reds skipper is currently with the England squad, alongside Alexander-Arnold, for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Three Lions are preparing to face Senegal in their last-16 tie on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold has had to settle for one brief cameo appearance so far in the World Cup, after being mostly left on the bench by Gareth Southgate. Henderson started the final group game against Wales, and could be set to feature against Senegal, too.
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When asked for his thoughts on his captain, Alexander-Arnold was full of praise for Henderson’s ability and leadership skills.
“I think he is criminally underrated as a footballer,” Alexander-Arnold told the Evening Standard. “He is someone who can influence games.
“When people think of him, they think about shouting, running and the dirty side of the game, but on the ball, he is technically an outstanding footballer.
“He is a natural-born leader and you can tell it is not forced, it’s completely natural.
“He brings that intensity to the team, he demands it from people with his aura and shouting. The way he plays the game is very intense, and you need players like that.
“He is an all-round outstanding footballer and he deserves a lot more credit than he is given.”
Henderson was told of Alexander-Arnold’s remarks about him by the same outlet, and asked if he agreed. The Liverpool skipper went on to play down the comments, and insist that he’s merely determined to do his best to help both club and country.
“The only opinion that matters is my team-mates and my manager, what they want me to do,” said Henderson.
“But my team-mates are most important because they know what I bring to the team. They know I’ll give absolutely everything for Liverpool or England, to not only perform to my levels but to help others around me.
“I’ve tried to do that for a long time. That’s all I ever try to do.”
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