Making a case for Jordan Henderson's presence in the England squad for Brazil

Jordan Henderson

Shortly after his £20 million move from Sunderland to Liverpool in July 2011, Jordan Henderson – rightly or wrongly – found himself the target of intense scrutiny and it seemed everyone had an opinion on the transfer.

Every slight error seemed to be magnified and derided perhaps more than if one of his team-mates made the same judgement. He could hardly even butter his toast without a commentator blasting his technique.

In fairness, his early days at Liverpool were not particularly scintillating. He struggled to replicate the form he showed in his final campaign at Sunderland, while there was the constant added pressure of a significant price tag.

It is not out of the realms of possibility that his fee, coupled with fan expectation, saw Henderson’s expressive freedom cripple.

He was becoming increasingly expendable by some accounts and his burgeoning international career looked to have ended before it really began, but Liverpool correctly remained patient when others – including some fans – were not.

Last season, perhaps, saw something of a change in the midfielder’s fortunes. Brendan Rodgers’ debut campaign may not have been a roaring success, but he at least steadied the ship ahead of what would be a simply fantastic second year. Henderson seems to have followed suit.

He made 30 Premier League appearances last season and ended the season with a performance score of 788, a generally respectable figure, while his record of 33 chances created was also satisfactory.

This season, however, he has become more rounded and a far more influential, decisive player in the final third.

Although his 689 performance score is actually lower on average than last term, he has improved as a source of attacking play. So far, he has laid on 50 chances for team-mates, six of which were assists, two more than he managed last term.

His 86 per cent average pass accuracy is also an improvement (of 2%) from the 2012-13 season, 58.4% of those having been played forward.

Henderson Duel Success – PL 2013/14

Another facet of his game to have seen immeasurable improvement is his tackling. While he may have boasted a 60% tackle success last term, he only attempted 60 in total.This season, however, he has been successful in 51 of his 105 attempts (49%). Obviously his win percentage is down, but he is proving to be far more willing to stick a foot in and battle.There can be no doubt that Henderson deserves his recall to the England side. Although it is only a friendly against Denmark, Roy Hodgson is at least acknowledging his vast improvement.

Henderson Chances Created (Pitch View) – PL 2013/14

The Liverpool man has created 48% of his chances from an attacking midfield position this season, and given the chance to shine in that role for England, he could all but secure his place on the plane to Brazil.