Jordan Henderson to Ajax: Analyzing the impact of the Englishman’s move from Al-Ettifaq

Jordan Henderson to Ajax: A Background

Just six months after leaving Liverpool FC to join Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, Jordan Henderson is on the move once again. This time, his destination is one that is a polar opposite of his previous in terms of culture, and arguably football as well.

As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Henderson will terminate his contract with the Steven Gerrard-managed club, before signing a new deal with Ajax. The reason for the termination was cited as unhappiness, and a desire to return to European football.

Henderson made 19 appearances for Al-Ettifaq across competitions since he joined, providing five assists in the process. However, the club are currently sat in eighth place in the SPL with 25 points from 19 games so far. Criticism regarding his commitment and his abilities led to souring of his relationship with the club.

His new guaranteed deal with the Amsterdam-based club will be two and a half years long, running until 2026. Aged 33 currently, this deal is one of the best Henderson could be offered in the twilight of his career. With several years of experience at the highest level under his belt, the England international will be a valuable addition to a relatively young squad.

On that note, let’s take a look at what Jordan Henderson brings to the football pitch.

Jordan Henderson to Ajax: Development Over the Years

Sunderland born and bred; Jordan Henderson came through the youth ranks at his hometown club before making it to their senior team as an 18-year-old in 2008. He made 79 appearances across three seasons for the senior team, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists. His development caught the attention of Liverpool, who paid around £16 million to sign him in 2011.

Aged just 21 when he arrived, Henderson was deployed all over the Reds’ midfield, sometimes starting on the right or the left as well. However, he soon became a first-team regular and notched 100 appearances for the club by 2013. He was appointed captain of Liverpool in 2015 following Steven Gerrard’s departure, having deputized for the legend several times while he was injured.

As captain of the club, Henderson led the Merseysiders to every possible honor they could win. This included the UEFA Champions League, the Premier League, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup, among others.

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Originally a box-to-box midfielder when he arrived at Liverpool, Henderson was deployed in multiple roles and tactical setups by both Brendan Rogers and Jurgen Klopp. The former used him more as a traditional midfielder, or a ‘number 8’. Klopp initially started him off as a defensive midfielder, before playing him as one of two ‘number 8’s.

His hardworking nature and tactical understanding of the game also allowed Henderson to play as a makeshift centre-back during injury crises at Liverpool. Being a midfielder and being able to see things before they happen on the pitch at times, he also picked up an energetic and vocal approach to leadership.

Jordan Henderson was also crucial to Liverpool’s high-pressing approach. His natural way to progress the ball was to play it forward – long or short. When not in possession, Henderson is adept with pressing opponents into a trap, which the Reds executed to perfection to recover the ball high up the field.

Now, more than a decade after having joined Liverpool, Henderson will come full circle. He will be able to share his experience and knowledge with younger players at Ajax.

Jordan Henderson to Ajax: Role & Responsibility at the Club

Ajax have been a club in transition over the last couple of years, despite having won the Eredivisie as recently as the 2021-22 season. Since then, they have finished third last season and currently sit in fifth place, a whopping 23 points off league leaders PSV Eindhoven.

The club has tried their hand at playing a team exclusively made of academy products, a team of veterans and even a combination of two. Last season, under former manager Alfred Schreuder, Ajax deployed one of their oldest starting XIs in history. They had an average age of 27.8 years. In contrast, another former manager Maurice Steijn named a lineup with an average age of just 21.4 earlier this season – the third-youngest in the club’s history.

Now, under current manager John van ‘t Schip, the averages are hovering around 22-23 years, with prospects like Bryan Brobbey, Benjamin Tahirovic and Jorrel Hato in their ranks.

Jordan Henderson’s arrival and integration into such a young and energetic group could be mutually beneficial. The player will be able to enjoy his football after a rather torrid spell in Saudi Arabia. He will also have the opportunity to impart valuable game smarts to his younger teammates to boost their growth.

It will be no surprise should Henderson be made captain. He would be the oldest player, barring veteran goalkeeper Remko Pasveer (40). While the league will prove to be of a much higher intensity for Henderson as compared to the SPL, it is still a couple of notches below the Premier League. This will allow the midfielder to settle in well.

The Englishman’s role primarily would focus on leadership, whilst also giving him an opportunity to work on his coaching badges should he need it for the future. He would also be a great mentor and guide to Tahirovic, Kenneth Taylor, and others who play in midfield.

With nearly 2.5 years on his contract, Jordan Henderson could actually be a crucial piece in Ajax’s rebuild over the next couple of seasons.

Jordan Henderson to Ajax: Transfer Rating

Considering all aspects of the deal, this is one of the best that Henderson could get. Ajax are one of the sleeping giants in the Eredivisie currently, much like Liverpool were in the Premier League back in 2011 when he joined. By the time he left, the Reds were back where they belong and competing at the top.

Given the time on his deal, there is chance the club’s turnaround could begin during his stay. Although it is too early to predict if they will become their fearsome selves from the past, this transfer will majorly have positive outcomes.

Rating: 8/10.

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