deacon

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Isn't saying this a bit like saying someone is like messi without the ability to run past people? West brom at home, with hodgson's 2 banks of four, will be as easy as it gets for a central midfielder. There are some huge leaps of faith on this forum with Henderson, but this is the biggest. As a central midfielder, the one thing you absolutely must do all the time is show for the ball and not hide, which is one of Henderson's worst traits. Given Lucas will form the bedrock of our central midfield, the other thing we need is a midfielder who can move the ball forwards, which Henderson has shown no sign of doing either.

Absolutely spot on.

Spending loads worked out well in the summer.

Agree with this. How many of our chances are clear cut absolute can't miss opportunities? Like others have said, our problems stem from a piss poor central midfield, which doesn't pass or move well enough in defence or attack. A central midfield comprising 2 or 3 of Adam, Spearing, Henderson and a half fit Gerrard is worst than most in the league.

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I'm just not sure Henderson has the character or mentality to be player good enough for a side competing for honours. It's a crude term, but he just comes across as a total pussy. That term doesn't just apply to his tackling, which he must be one of the weakest midfield players in the league at, but his demeanor on the pitch. He seems happy to just hide and move the ball sideways. A lot of people have pointed out how poor Lucas was when he first arrived, which is true, but he didn't hide. I think his age has been exaggerated as a point to defend him too. Shelvey is younger and you don't see him hiding. Another extremely frustrating thing when watching our central midfield this season is the fact that Spearing, Henderson and Adam seem unable to anticipate where to position themselves when we don't have the ball. Lucas is exceptional at this. Hopefully Henderson will improve in this regard.

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It's not a question of psychology, its a question of quality. Spearing, Adam and Henderson are not even close to the quality required. The side doesn't move the ball quick enough. As they are so poor, kenny has to play 3 in the middle, which makes it almost impossible to get Carroll and Suarez on the pitch together.

For all the talk of lack of quality from wide areas, the problems mostly come from central midfield, make no mistake. Our central midfield this season since Lucas got injured has been Spearing, Adam, Henderson and a leggy Gerrard. 3 years ago it was mascherano, alonso and Gerrard. 3 years ago we had warriors in central midfield who could mix it against anyone. Now we have championship calibre players in the middle of the park, its enough to make you weep. Fingers crossed Lucas comes back the same player. Adam, Spearing and Henderson should all be sold, they are never going to be good enough. Not even close. I think most of us feared the worst when Lucas got injured, I feared our hopes of 4th ended that night he hobbled off, but never did I think it would be this desperate.

It's been obvious all season, Henderson just isn't up to it. One of the least effective players I've ever seen

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If you haven't seen Henderson s*** out of any tackles then you're not watching him very closely. He's as bad as Riise and Meireles for that. People on here are talking about the glimpses of quality and good games he's had. I need an education on this, as loads of people on here are saying that he'll be a good player and Kenny himself keeps picking him but I just can't see it - when has he had a good game for us?

Always looking for the ball? Cannot agree with that. Along with constantly wimping out of tackles, he lack of desire in finding the ball is what makes me most concerned. Compare his performances this season to someone like Oxlade-Chamberlain against Milan. Pretty much first time in the middle, and he was demanding the ball throughout. Henderson may well develop into a decent player, but he's not showing much cause for hope at the moment. He looks like a little lost boy out on the pitch, completely happy for games to pass him by.

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Downing massive? Didn't see that. A bit like pennant in the 2007 final, he saw lots of the ball and space but did nothing with it. he needs to do more than win corners. Brilliant to win the cup today, but it showed again why Gerrard and Adam shouldn't play together in a central midfield pair. We don't move the ball quickly enough in the opposition half. It's been a problem for large parts of this season and among other reasons, is why we haven't scored enough goals.

Skrtel Johnson Agger

Skrtel Gerrard Carroll

Henderson?! I'd love to watch a game with someone who rates him, so they can point out the positive things he does in games, as I just can't see them. Such an underwhelming player. As someone has said before, he's like lampard without any goals. Skrtel Agger Carroll

Extremely strong chance if found guilty. I'd expect the cps to heavily push for it

The defence has not been the problem at all today. It all comes from midfield. All 4 of them have had woeful games. The midfield has been bossed by one of the worst central midfield partnerships in the league. I continue to be staggered, absolutely staggered, at how many here are convinced that Henderson is a player. Today is another fine example of what he offers, which is nothing.