The manager of Sunderland’s academy and former coach of Jordan Henderson believes that the midfielder can become the next Steven Gerrard for both Liverpool and England.
The 21-year-old was the subject of a £20 million transfer from Wearside to Anfield in the summer, and has already been thrust into the first team by Kenny Dalglish. He has rewarded his manager’s faith with some impressive performances, culminating in a spectacular first goal for the club against Bolton last weekend.
Such performances have seen his former coach, Ged McNamee, lavish praise on the England Under-21 captain and claim that he can become as important as Gerrard is for Liverpool.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv McNamee said: “Anybody who knows Jordan will tell you that he’s just an absolutely smashing lad and anyone who’s seen him play will tell you he’s got bags of natural ability and a strong work ethic.
“If you look at a young Steven Gerrard, he was all over the park, chasing down players and charging up the park too – trust me, Jordan has all of that in him.
“I think he could be a little star for Liverpool. He’s versatile, he’ll always keep going and will always give you 100 per cent. He’s the kind of guy Liverpool fans will easily take to.”
McNamee admits that it hasn’t always been so easy for Henderson and during his youth career at Sunderland his coaches were unsure as to whether he would make it.
He continued: “Obviously he’s been with us for a long time and he joined us from the age of eight and so we’ve been with him through the ups and the downs.
“There were times you’d look at Jordan and you’d think ‘There’s something special about that boy’ and then other times you’d see him struggling and you’d worry for him.
“It was only really when he turned 16, where we were forced into making a decision whether or not to give him a contract that we began to realise what kind of special player we’d signed.”
But McNamee is certain that it was the difficulties he endured that have made him the all-round player he is today – and it is that mental strength that could see him emulate Gerrard.
“He’s well rounded now, he’s got his feet firmly on the ground and there really is no edge to him at all,” he explained. “Thankfully we gave him that opportunity and to be fair to the lad he’s taken it with both hands.
“Jordan will be the first to admit that he’s got a lot of work to do before he catches Gerrard.
“Steven is a recognised international player, with tons of experience, but it’s where Jordan wants to be and I think he can do it.”
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Sunderland academy manager: Jordan Henderson can be the next Steven Gerrard