Jordan Henderson slammed by former Ajax player as move turns sour after four games

Jordan Henderson has been slammed by a former Ajax player after just four matches for the club.

Last summer, the former Liverpool captain left Merseyside as he completed a move to Saudi Professional League side Al Ettifaq, managed by Reds legend Steven Gerrard.

For Al Ettifaq, Henderson played 17 matches and provided four assists.

However, Henderson decided to cut short his time in the Middle East by joining Dutch club Ajax last month, with the hope that playing in Europe could enhance his chances of being selected by Gareth Southgate for England’s EURO 2024 squad.

After playing four matches for the club, the Englishman is yet to taste victory and former Ajax and Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is less than impressed with Henderson.

He said on Ziggo Sport's football talk program Rondo, via VI: “Players have been brought in with zero quality, then you have to sit out this season.

“They got Jordan Henderson. All he does is to play a little pass out wide, or a little pass back. But nobody will be happy with that.”

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Van der Vaart continued: “You'll see on Thursday that they will get through their Conference League tie against Bodo/Glimt with all the luck in the world.

“Afterwards it's best for them to get knocked out, and to make a fresh start next season. As an Ajax man my heart bleeds. I don't know what I can say about them any more.”

After a dreadful start to the 23/24 season, Ajax have managed to crawl back up the Eredivisie table as they currently sit fifth, three points behind fourth-placed AZ Alkmaar and 26 points adrift of runaway leaders PSV Eindhoven.

Ajax are back in Europa Conference League action this week as they take on Bodo/Glimt on Thursday after drawing the first leg 2-2 at home.