England boss Gareth Southgate admits it is "easier" to assess someone playing in European football after Jordan Henderson swapped Al-Ettifaq for Ajax.
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Henderson cut short Saudi moveMidfielder since joined AjaxSouthgate approves of transferGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The Liverpool hero terminated his contract with the Saudi Pro League outfit in January after just six months at Steven Gerrard's team. The 33-year-old then signed a deal until 2026 with Ajax, with the midfielder making his club debut in a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven last weekend. Now, England manager Southgate has admitted it is easier to follow a player's progress when they are in a European League ahead of Euro 2024 this summer.
Advertisement(C)GettyImagesWHAT GARETH SOUTHGATE SAID
The Three Lions boss said, via the Independent: “It’s easier to assess somebody playing in a European League, I think you know, for him, I think he’ll be excited about the game the other night. It’s a proper derby atmosphere playing in a game where firstly the club are absolutely delighted to have him there, he’s had a really warm welcome and been really well received. I’m sure at the moment that will mean a lot to him.”
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Henderson has been picked by Southgate for recent England squads despite the fact that the Saudi Pro League is not the strongest of divisions – something many Three Lions fans have not been happy with. The former Sunderland man, who left Liverpool last summer, made the move to Ajax, partly to get into England's squad for this year's Euros. It seems Southgate will continue to consider the veteran following his transfer to the Eredivisie.
WHAT NEXT?
Henderson, whose No.6 jersey became the fastest-selling in the club's history, could feature for Ajax away to Heerenveen on Sunday. He will hope to be part of England's upcoming squad for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in late March.
