Sky Sports Scout

We run the rule over Sunderland starlet Jordan Henderson

By Sky Sports Scout   Last updated: 2nd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sky Sports Scout
NAME: Jordan Henderson
AGE: 19 (17th June 1990)
BORN: Sunderland
POSITION: Midfielder
CLUB: Sunderland
FACTS: Grew up watching Sunderland at Roker Park.

Sky Sports Scout Ratings:
0-10 - No hoper
11-20 - Should look elsewhere
21-30 - Might not make it
31-40 - Has work to do
41-50 - Keep an eye on him
51-60 - Great prospect
61-70 - On his way to the top
71-80 - Already World-class

Also see

Sky Sports Scout is our exciting feature where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent and bring you a report on what we find.

Our Scout will report back and you can comment on what you think of our appraisal.

Also, in association with Football Manager, we give all readers the chance to win a copy of the latest game by nominating a player.

You can only nominate a player by emailing here, including the word 'Scout' in your subject line and please check to make sure we haven't already covered the player!

Should your player get reviewed by our scout, and you were first to send in his name, then you will win a copy of Football Manager 2010.

Latest under our scout's gaze is Sunderland's Jordan Henderson - recommended by Sky Sports reader Sarah Wild.

The scout reports...

Jordan Henderson is Sunderland's big hope and the 19-year-old has the potential to become one of Wearside's finest ever products.

Henderson has been with his hometown club since his early teens and he quickly graduated through the ranks.

He made his first-team debut in November 2008, before he was sent on loan to Coventry City in January 2009.

His loan stint at Coventry did him the world of good as he impressed hugely.

Steve Bruce's arrival at Sunderland over the summer has seen Henderson's career take a step to the next level.

A winger by trade, he was never anywhere but wide on the right throughout his youth days, and indeed at Coventry it was on the wing where he impressed.

But Bruce has recognised Henderson's natural physique, an all-around athlete whose engine he obviously feels is wasted out wide.

Indeed Henderson has now moved into central midfield and has taken to the role like a duck to water. His excellent close control and skill means he has the raw material to make it in the engine room.

Whilst his tackling is a work in progress, it is far from being a weak link in his game, but his willingness to cover almost every blade of grass on the pitch means he rarely needs to dive in to a challenge.

Recently rewarded for his progress with a new four-year contract.

The scout says...

Very reminiscent of a young Steven Gerrard, and whilst still a rough diamond Bruce's decision to move him into central midfield could be a masterstroke.

With Sunderland's financial muscle, there is no way Henderson will be leaving the Stadium of Light any time soon and that will allow him to progress where he feels at home, but if he hits the heights expected - then it may not be long before the 'big boys' come calling.

The Scout rating...

Shooting: 6 out of 10

Passing: 8 out of 10

Tackling: 7 out of 10

Heading: 6 out of 10

Pace: 8 out of 10

Vision: 8 out of 10

Current ability: 8 out of 10

Potential ability: 10 out of 10

OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 61/80

Current value: £6million

Potential value: £18million

Your opinion...

You have read our opinion of Henderson - now we want your views. Have you seen Henderson? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it?

And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature, then please get in touch. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up some of your leads.

Comments (15)

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Chris Retallick (Manchester United fan) says...

What are your thoughts on Gabriel Obertan? I have a feeling he is going to be amazing!

Posted 22:09 3rd November 2009

Allan Crago (Sunderland fan) says...

I think your assessment of Henderson is very fair and we have high hopes for him here on Wearside. We hope to be in a much stronger position in the next few years and be in a position to ward off interest from anyone.

Posted 16:17 3rd November 2009

Darren Fairgrieves (Coventry City fan) says...

I had the pleasure of seeing JH ay the Ricoh last season and was hugely impressed with his all round contribution to the team!! Its just a shame that Steve Bruce recognised his obvious talent as i would have loved to see him sign on a permenant basis!!!

Posted 13:13 3rd November 2009

Michael Cooke (Liverpool fan) says...

Could you scout Alexis Sanchez. He is a young Chilean winger who i highly rate

Posted 21:07 2nd November 2009

Andrew Lloyd (Hull City fan) says...

why not do liam cooper from hull.

Posted 21:05 2nd November 2009

Marc Watson (Sunderland fan) says...

Jordan has had a few critics prior to the last 3 or 4 games but has always looked like a great potential. He is stepping up to the mark now and, last couiple of games, has looked fantastic and is growing in confidence all the time - agree witrh Sky Sports completely

Posted 19:12 2nd November 2009

Will Mason (Liverpool fan) says...

Hi, this is a great feature, would be interesting to see what you make of Liverpool youngster Daniel Sanchez Ayala, he made a couple of appearances at the start of the season and i'm interesting to see if he will break into the first team this season with the majority of Liverpool's defence looking rather shakey.

Posted 17:17 2nd November 2009

Lee Jones (Sunderland fan) says...

agreed he seems a fantastic young prospect that is getting better each game.

Posted 16:32 2nd November 2009

Richii Tomlinson (Coventry City fan) says...

If only Coventry had the funds to have purchased 'Hendo' last January rather than just taking him on loan ... we desperatly need him this season!!!

Posted 16:30 2nd November 2009

Joe Underwood (Ipswich Town fan) says...

Sky sports scout, check out Connor Wickham at Ipswich!!

Posted 15:42 2nd November 2009

Andy Wilson (Aston Villa fan) says...

got this spot on went to watch villa play them in cup he was best played on the pitch by far great pace on the lad ran rings around us never stopped all game top player for furture will be in england team soon

Posted 15:25 2nd November 2009

Anne Donkin (Sunderland fan) says...

Agree with your rating. He's been brilliant for us this season and can only get better. He's Sunderland born and bred so other teams can keep their hands off him.

Posted 15:13 2nd November 2009

Richie Mackem (Sunderland fan) says...

Fair review in my opnion, the lad has it all going for him and is progressing more than we could have dreamed of. Keep your feet on the ground tho young'n. Remeber stokes? I sense a wonder goal from him soon to introduce him self properly to the premiership.

Posted 15:00 2nd November 2009

Gareth Hall (Newcastle United fan) says...

Newcastle stiker Nile Ranger is a one to watch. Quick, Physical centre foward that can hold the ball up well.

Posted 14:50 2nd November 2009

Jamie Major (Sunderland fan) says...

Man of the match once again against west ham. great prospect

Posted 14:43 2nd November 2009
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