Jordan Henderson is now in Dubai with his Liverpool teammates for their training camp ahead of the second half of this season, having seen his value rise dramatically in Qatar.
It’s not often that a 32-year-old, who has won everything in his power at the national level, is viewed so negatively by the public, but Henderson was one.
England fans used to mock his inclusion and any misplaced pass automatically became a Twitter meme and his name trended accordingly.
Even some Liverpool fans, albeit a much smaller majority, have doubted Hendo’s abilities in midfield throughout his illustrious career.
But his performances at the World Cup showed why every manager, at club and country level, makes him a key part of the team.
Harry Kane is England’s official captain, but Henderson led them on the pitch, there’s no denying that. He assisted the prodigious talent Jude Bellingham and also formed an excellent and hard-working triumvirate with Declan Rice.
I wonder if those midfielders will end up playing with Hendo at Liverpool one day?
However, Henderson isn’t just a screamer. He can fight, organize and play. His late entry into the penalty area and his definition for the goal against Senegal in the round of 16 proved it.
Now Liverpool fans hope he can maintain the energy and relentlessness he displayed in Qatar. It will be vital if Jurgen Klopp’s Reds want to finish in the top four.
