Sunderland must rue Henderson sale

Sunderland’s academy has produced some strong 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 advantageous 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 aspect to victory in nearly every competition potential, with the Premier League, Champions League and each home cups underneath his belt, in addition to a FIFA Membership World Cup and a UEFA Tremendous Cup.

Simply 79 video games on the Stadium of Mild was modest in comparison with the exceptional 455 video games for the Reds, and he has overseen their progress from mid-table wrestle to mentality monsters.

In his five appearances this season, he has averaged a SofaScore score of 7.06 and has executed nicely to determine himself as one of many extra reliable Premier League midfielders. 

In the course of the 12 months during which Liverpool gained England’s high flight, the England worldwide stepped his recreation up even additional, elevating his common match score to 7.23 throughout his 30 league appearances in 2019/20. He additionally scored five objectives and assisted four, which was spectacular given how that isn’t usually his position.

Ought to Sunderland have stored Jordan Henderson?

The 32-year-old was simply final 12 months labelled an “immense captain” and “an actual chief” by Leanne Prescott, who additionally cited his MBE as “well-deserved”.

Curtis Woodhouse additionally claimed that individuals gained’t respect Henderson till he has retired, as he’s a “proper 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.