From losing it with Man Utd flop to being given keys to swimming pool – inside Jordan Henderson’s Ajax career revival

THE England call-up for Jordan Henderson is not just big news in this country but also in Holland.

Johan Inan covers Ajax for Algemeen Dagblad, the biggest sports newspaper in Holland. Here, he gives his view…

Jordan Henderson’s return to the Three Lions might be surprising because of his physical condition — but certainly not his game.

The midfielder has had a great impact on and off the pitch at Ajax this season.

But since he is struggling with his fitness, you should wonder how long he’ll be able to last on the pitch for England.

Before Sunday’s 2-2 draw with AZ, the 34-year-old had only started once in the last eight games since he was substituted after one half against Fortuna Sittard.

Ajax boss Francesco Farioli has not taken any risks with his captain for over a month. 

It’s the third time that the Ajax No 6 missed back-to-back games because of injury in 15 months. So another 15, to World Cup 2026, feels very far away.

Considering all that, Hendo has done well. England boss Thomas Tuchel was right saying he didn’t look older or slower.

The Liverpool legend has been excellent this season, in a less intense competition. In the big games, against Feyenoord, PSV and Galatasaray, he looked like the Henderson in his best Anfield days.

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Dominating possession, closing gaps and ­leading the troops.

His impact off the pitch might be even bigger, team-mates say.

Ajax signed him to help bring back a winning culture after finishing fifth last season with his experience and leading by example.

Or, in his own words, by eating, sleeping and breathing Ajax. And within a few months, he managed, with the help of his new friends, to get the club back on track.

First, there was nobody at the club when Henderson thought he could recover in the swimming pool after an evening match, like he used to do in Liverpool.

Ajax decided to give him keys. Little by little, the players started to copy him.

Last month, after Ajax beat Belgian side Union, Henderson was surrounded by team-mates when he went to the sauna. 

Also, Hendo found himself fuming at ex-Aston Villa winger Bertrand Traore against Besiktas, after he allowed a counter attack. And at ex-Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst during training, because he kept complaining.

Hendo helped Ajax to get back their discipline. Young and old praise him for his leadership.

Steven Berghuis said this week: “He sets an example, but is also a very good player. It is special Ajax managed to sign him.”

Ajax only need to finish in third spot this season to get back in the Champions League. They are eight points clear at the top now.

And big-game player Henderson has had a huge part in that.

Italian boss Farioli sees the captain as his perfect extension, so it’s not that strange for Tuchel to call him up to help create a new England team.

But thinking Henderson will easily make it to the World Cup as a holding midfielder would be very naive.