Liverpool target Jude Bellingham full of praise for captain Jordan Henderson after Senegal rout

Jordan Henderson was instrumental in England’s 3-0 win over Senegal in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup wherein the Liverpool skipper broke the deadlock by scoring the Three Lions’ opening goal and interestingly, the assist provider, Jude Bellingham is a long-term Reds’ transfer target.

The pair share a close bond off the field as well. This game was Hendo’s second straight start in the campaign, and he has proved his critics wrong by putting in a solid shift against a fairly strong Senegal team.

Additionally, goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka ensured that Gareth Southgate’s squad eases past their opponents. They will now face France in the Quarter-Final of the World Cup on 10th December.

Facing a lot of criticism for his style of play, which is “industry-like” and without a lot of creative output, Hendo has indeed put a fantastic end to the outside talk by getting on the scoresheet and putting in a good game. Bellingham spoke about him in the post-match presentation and here is what he told ITV via Liverpool Echo:

”[It was a] Brilliant performance and I seen some of the rubbish that was said about him playing. It’s ridiculous, [Henderson is] so underrated technically and he’s delivered in a big game with a massive game so I think it’s about time he gets respect,’

Moreover, Hendo had a pass accuracy of 89%, won all of his ground duels and his long ball accuracy was at 100% against an in-form team led by Kalidou Koulibably. FotMob confirms these stats, and the 32-year-old came off in the 81st minute for young Kalvin Phillips.

Hendo Delight for England

This was just his third goal for England, but importantly, it came at a time when England needed it the most. In fact, two of his three goals have come at a knockout stage, and with that, he has more goals than Wayne Rooney in the knockout stages of major international tournaments.

All things considered, it was a good game from the Liverpool skipper, coming in at a clutch time. Bellingham’s words on him hopefully mean that he gets more respect from a section of the fans who do not believe in the Reds’ skipper.

Meanwhile, the pair’s extremely energetic celebration together after Hendo’s goal has given Liverpool fans a lot of hope to see Bellingham in Liverpool colours next season. Hopefully, the Reds have the funds to carry out his transfer, as he is a one-stop-shop for all of Liverpool’s current midfield issues.

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Presently, the asking price for Jude is set at upwards of £131m and the Reds will not have it easy by any means to land the player at Anfield. Moreover, competition from Real Madrid and Manchester City might influence Bellingham, and see him go further away from Merseyside than he already is.