Sunderland’s academy has produced some stable Premier League expertise over current years, with Jordan Henderson their fundamental export that has gone on to take the league by storm.
Having left the membership in 2011, the Black Cats earned £20m which, on the time, appeared like a positive piece of enterprise.
Nevertheless, having gone on to succeed Steven Gerrard as captain of Liverpool, he’ll now go down within the historical past books at Anfield.
He has led his new facet to victory in practically each competitors doable, with the Premier League, Champions League and each home cups beneath his belt, in addition to a FIFA Membership World Cup and a UEFA Tremendous Cup.
Simply 79 video games on the Stadium of Gentle was modest in comparison with the outstanding 455 video games for the Reds, and he has overseen their progress from mid-table wrestle to mentality monsters.
In his 5 appearances this season, he has averaged a SofaScore ranking of 7.06 and has carried out effectively to ascertain himself as one of many extra reliable Premier League midfielders.
In the course of the yr through which Liverpool received England’s high flight, the England worldwide stepped his sport up even additional, elevating his common match ranking to 7.23 throughout his 30 league appearances in 2019/20. He additionally scored 5 targets and assisted 4, which was spectacular given how that’s not usually his function.
Ought to Sunderland have saved Jordan Henderson?
Sure
No
The 32-year-old was simply final yr labelled an “immense captain” and “an actual chief” by Leanne Prescott, who additionally cited his MBE as “well-merited”.
Curtis Woodhouse additionally claimed that individuals received’t respect Henderson till he has retired, as he’s a “correct all-round midfielder” and a “monster”.
It’s spectacular how a lot he has grown from the younger Mackem lad enjoying for his boyhood membership.
Whereas £20m appeared like good cash on the time, to see his progress because the Black Cats slumped down the divisions should have been a bitter capsule to swallow for the membership’s supporters.
As he equipped for his first of three Champions League finals – to date – the Wearside outfit had already been resigned to relegation to League One.
He may have captained Sunderland to glory, however as an alternative, he led the revitalisation of Liverpool. They may certainly remorse the decision to promote him now, with hindsight.
