Ajax Star’s Devastating Critique of Jordan Henderson’s Lackluster Performance
Jordan Henderson’s move to Ajax has not been met with praise from former star Rafael van der Vaart. The midfielder, who joined Ajax in January after terminating his contract with Al-Ettifaq, has failed to impress Van der Vaart, who believes Henderson has brought “zero quality” to the side.
A Struggling Start at Ajax
Since his arrival at the Dutch giants, Henderson has started four matches, three in the Eredivisie and one in the Europa Conference League. However, he is yet to secure a win in an Ajax shirt, drawing three matches and losing one. This lackluster performance has left Van der Vaart unimpressed with the impact Henderson has made on the team.
Van der Vaart’s Critique
In a scathing critique of Henderson’s contribution, Van der Vaart expressed his disappointment with Ajax’s decision to bring in players of “zero quality.” He criticized Henderson’s playing style, stating that all he does is play simple passes out wide or back. Van der Vaart believes that this level of play is not enough to satisfy the expectations of the club and its fans.
The Future for Ajax
Despite his criticism, Van der Vaart expects Ajax to progress in their Conference League tie against Bodo/Glimt. However, he suggests that it may be better for the team to be knocked out soon and start fresh next season. The former Netherlands star believes that Ajax’s hopes of winning the Eredivisie title this season are already over, as they currently sit fifth in the table and 26 points behind leaders PSV.
Henderson’s Potential for England
Despite his struggles at Ajax, Rio Ferdinand still backs Henderson to be selected for Gareth Southgate’s England squad at Euro 2024. Ferdinand believes that Henderson’s experience and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset in the dressing room. As a captain who has won multiple trophies, Henderson’s presence can help create an environment that is conducive to winning.
In Conclusion
Jordan Henderson’s move to Ajax has been met with criticism from former star Rafael van der Vaart. Van der Vaart believes that Henderson has not brought the desired quality to the team and expects Ajax to make a fresh start next season. However, Rio Ferdinand still supports Henderson’s inclusion in the England squad, recognizing his experience and leadership qualities. Despite the criticism, it remains to be seen how Henderson will fare at Ajax and if he can prove his worth to both the club and national team.