Jordan Henderson remains a valuable topic of conversation, even two months after coming to Ajax. In the run-up to the return of the eighth finals of the Conference League against Aston Villa, Dick Advocaat does not understand why the Amsterdam team opted for another defensive midfielder in January. Wim Kieft stands up for the Englishman. “What I still don't understand is who bought him from Ajax,” says Advocaat Veronica.

In the winter transfer window, Ajax looked for an experienced force for the core of the team and found it in Henderson. Lawyer does not think that is wise. “If you have Branco van den Boomen and a number of other players, who are all almost identical in their game, why do you get Henderson? I think Van den Boomen is a faster passer than Henderson in terms of play.”

Kieft sees it very differently. “It is crazy how Henderson is assessed here in the Netherlands. They say that he brings nothing, that he is too expensive… But he is just a very good player, he is above all a team player.”

“He has had a great career,” Kieft continues. Henderson has been called up by Gareth Southgate for the international break next week. “The England coach is not just anyone, he also knows about football. I don't know if it is for a starting place, but if this boy is called up with all the experience he has, he can make a good contribution.”

Lawyer agrees with Kieft in that respect. “Reputation-wise, he is a great player in England, the national team and at Liverpool, but Ajax didn't need him at all.”

“No, I think Ajax did need him,” Kieft responds. “If you measure it by performance, well, you're not going to change that on your own. He's not that kind of player either. And you say Van den Boomen… With all due respect, what has he brought to Ajax? years?”

Kieft certainly sees Henderson playing a valuable role at Ajax. “It's about the personality you bring. It seems to me like a boy who is trying to take the lead. This is a very unstable team,” Kieft concludes.

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