Henderson handed Ajax reality check after "stronger" claim from Gerrard

826     0
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson's first appearance as Ajax captain did not go to plan (Image: Getty Images)

Jordan Henderson is still winless as an Ajax player after the Dutch side lost their first league game in over three months.

The former Liverpool midfielder made his second appearance for his new club against Heerenveen on Sunday. Ajax found themselves 3-0 behind after a double from Pelle van Amersfoort sandwiched a strike from Osame Sahraoui.

Pawel Bochniewicz scored an own goal to reduce the deficit, with Chuba Akpom getting another back for Ajax. They were not able to find an equaliser, leaving them fifth in the Eredivisie and 22 points behind leaders PSV.

Henderson played for the full 90 minutes. Interim head coach John van't Schip was left furious with his side’s showing. He said: "It just wasn't good enough today.

"We are Ajax and I don't want to complain about referee decisions. We should have done better before in the first place. We need to rise again. Bodo/Glimt is a good opportunity for that this Thursday."

All the details for Cristiano Ronaldo's next Saudi Pro League game for Al-Nassr eiqrridrdiqruinvAll the details for Cristiano Ronaldo's next Saudi Pro League game for Al-Nassr

While Henderson has yet to win a game as an Ajax player, it appears that his former club are quickly moving on from him. The midfielder quit Al-Ettifaq in January just six months after his big-money switch to Saudi Arabia.

Former boss Steven Gerrard has already hinted that his side are better off without Henderson after concluding their transfer business. He said: "We've tried to look for certain upgrades that are going to be ready to contribute, to push foreign players for starting spots. The squad, in my opinion, is looking stronger and healthier than it did before."

Henderson handed Ajax reality check after "stronger" claim from GerrardJordan Henderson reacts to Ajax's defeat by Heerenveen (Getty Images)

Will Jordan Henderson be a success at Ajax? Share your thoughts in the comments below

The Liverpool icon added: "Everyone is extremely ready, we've added (Toko) Ekambi in the last couple of days so we need to get him up to speed and ready, we're looking forward to welcoming Seko Fofana who will come in and make us stronger. We're in a good place, we need to keep the boys focused and ready for Thursday night."

Gerrard’s side currently sit eighth in the 18-team Saudi Pro League after 19 games of the season. They are next back in action on Thursday evening as they take on Al-Khaleej.

Henderson, 33, made 19 appearances for Ettifaq during his brief spell with the club. He failed to score but did manage to rack up five assists. The midfielder's contract with the Saudi side was originally set to run until the summer of 2026 but he served just six months of that. The remainder of his deal was terminated to facilitate his move to Ajax.

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our

Daniel Orme

Ajax FC, Eredivisie, Jordan Henderson, Saudi Professional League, Steven Gerrard

Read more similar news:

09.02.2023, 18:57 • Sport
Ronaldo hits new landmark as Al-Nassr four-goal haul puts him in elite company
13.02.2023, 07:00 • Sport
Al-Nassr boss claims his team are now treating Cristiano Ronaldo differently
02.01.2023, 12:51 • Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr debut date pencilled if he can prove fitness
03.01.2023, 09:50 • Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo completes Saudi Pro League XI filled with familiar faces
04.01.2023, 06:00 • Sport
Ronaldo gets first clue he’s now in a "different footballing world" to Messi
04.01.2023, 19:00 • Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo fans at a loss with no legal way of watching Al-Nassr debut
08.01.2023, 13:06 • Sport
Inside Cristiano Ronaldo's lavish first Saudi home after money-spinning move
17.01.2023, 15:13 • Sport
Ronaldo family give first glimpse of life in Saudi Arabia after mega-money move
19.01.2023, 08:37 • Sport
All-Star XI vs PSG - TV channel and stream details for Ronaldo vs Messi
24.01.2023, 20:19 • Sport
Saudi chief responds to Messi transfer speculation after Ronaldo's arrival