Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson: I need people to tell me when to rest

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has admitted that he often has to be persuaded to hold back in training, such is his appetite to succeed at Anfield, reports the Mirror.

The Merseysiders trail league leaders Chelsea by just four points and the 23-year-old has become a key member of Brendan Rodgers’ side in their quest for a top four finish.

His fine performances in the middle of the park, including an exquisite strike against Swansea last weekend, have also led to expectations that he will earn a place in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad, but the former Sunderland man needs to be reminded to give his body a chance to recover at times.

“Sometimes I need people to tell me to rest.

“After training, I like to do a little bit extra. A few of us do a bit of shooting or whatever it might be, but sometimes you need to give your legs a rest and prepare for the game in the best way,” he insisted.

Having attracted a great deal of criticism in the early days of his Anfield career it is no wonder that Henderson is willing to put the hard hours in on the training pitch to reap the rewards on match day and has heaped praise on the club’s staff for helping him achieve his goals.

“We have the right people at the club to tell you when you can and when you can’t do the extra bit. We have the right fitness coaches in Ryland and people in the gym. They make sure that you are at your best physically.

“Some days we will do strength training and sprint training just to make sure we’re in the best condition we can be. All the credit has to go to them. If we do it as they say, then we should be in great shape for the weekend,” Henderson declared.

Jordan Henderson is Liverpool’s third most creative player this season with 49 chances created, just two less than Steven Gerrard.