Shay Given has claimed that Man United hero Roy Keane shares similarities with current Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson with the Reds’ midfielder having proven his doubters wrong in emphatic style at Anfield.
He arrived on Merseyside from Sunderland in 2011 and initially struggled for form with the club. It was previously reported that then Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was open to selling the midfielder to Fulham following his slow start.
The club will certainly be relieved that he was not moved on considering the success that Henderson has gone on to enjoy since. He has made just under 450 appearances for the Reds, whilst having also lifted the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and a number of other trophies as captain.
Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Given has claimed that he sees similarities between both Keane and Henderson and their approach to their role as captain. Speaking to Premier League productions, he said: “But Jordan Henderson strikes me as a person, who off the pitch and on the pitch, you can see him shouting.
“I played with Roy Keane with Ireland. Making demands with people around you, get the best out of the people and pull people in.
“Even himself [Henderson], he has been on a bit of a journey. When Kenny Dalglish first signed him, the fans were on his back, but he has lifted six major trophies, it’s just a phenomenal journey.”
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During his career, Keane of course played a huge role in seven Premier League title successes with Man United before departing for Celtic following a public falling-out with Sir Alex Ferguson. Henderson could potentially join the now 50-year-old in becoming a multiple title winner.
The Reds find themselves still in the title race heading into the final day of the campaign but have to better Manchester City ’s result in order to stand any chance of claiming the trophy. Liverpool take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, whilst Pep Guardiola ’s men host Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
Keane has praised Henderson - as well as City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne - for their continued drive to succeed as the pair face what promises to be an encapsulating conclusion to the 2021/22 campaign.
Speaking last month, he said: “Players like Jordan [Henderson] and de Bruyne. They are great characters of the game. Experienced players of the game.
“They have won trophies, but their hunger is still there.”
Even if Henderson and his Liverpool team fail to claim the Premier League then they still have another chance to claim silverware before the end of the campaign as they come up against Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
