Jordan Henderson names two Liverpool stars who have "stepped up" this season
Jordan Henderson believes Liverpool have kicked on without him saying: “My exit gave them a boost.”
The former Reds skipper, who lifted the Champions League trophy five years ago, believes that his departure has freshened up Jurgen Klopp ’s men. Henderson called time on a 12-year career at Anfield last summer after deciding to defect to Saudia Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.
He said: “Looking back, it was the right time for me as a player - but also for the team and the club - as much as that hurt at the time. I was very emotional but it was the right decision made by the manager and club. It was the best decision to freshen things up.
“If you look at Virgil (van Dijk) becoming captain, Trent (Alexander-Arnold) becoming vice-captain, and how they’ve stepped up again this season, I think it has given them another lift - they’ve been two huge players for the team.
“You can see that from the performances, how they’ve done - as much as it hurts me. I’m so happy it’s worked out for them so far and I’ve just got my fingers crossed it can be a fairytale end for Jurgen because he deserves it.”
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Henderson says Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have stepped up as leaders since his departure (Action Images via Reuters)Henderson said he had made contact with his former boss after the bombshell that the Anfield chief would be stepping down at the end of the campaign. He said: “I’ve spoken to him a little bit. It was shocking for everyone.
“But, at the same time, I probably wasn’t as surprised as everyone else because he’s been there a long time and the passion and emotion he gives to teams - doing that over such a long time - must wear you out.
“However, with it coming out, that might give him an extra energy boost until the end of the season - we’ve seen that already - maybe it will help the players over the line to win a trophies over the next few months.”
Henderson's Ajax saide will take on Aston Villa in the Conference League (ANP/AFP via Getty Images)Henderson will be re-acquainted with the Premier League when his current Ajax side meet Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League tonight.
He says that Unai Emery is building something similar at Villa to that which Klopp constructed on Merseyside, adding: “Emery is a fantastic coach - an amazing manager and he will take Villa from strength to strength - they’ll be looking to get to the Champions League next season.
“He knows what he’s doing, he just needs to do what he’s been doing his whole career. You need a lot more than just that, though. You need players with the right mentality, a group that’s together.
“A mix of young and experience but ultimately you need someone who you look to who has an idea and a way and to follow that plan together. Fortunately for me, Jurgen came in and changed everything. If you look at Villa, Emery has done that for them.”
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