There’s an unspoken institution in football.
It involves the division of top-level footballers and the ones that have not been deemed top-level footballers just yet.
There’s no real reason or logic to that. The brackets are separated and it’s luck and timing for the most part to see which category you fall into.
Jeff Hendrick was asked during his sensational Euro 2016 tournament about whether he thought he could cut it in the Premier League. He put it perfectly. He said he felt he was up to it, he said he felt ready for it, but… but… it’s just about getting the chance.
Suddenly Jeff Hendrick has emerged as the leader and this whole Ireland squad must follow him, says @ConanDoherty https://t.co/haJP3MSZXX
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 18, 2016
The division of supposed A-Grade footballers and B-Grade footballers is largely down to chance.
There’s no acceptable reason why Tom Cleverley is making a career in the top half of the top level and Jeff Hendrick is yet to get a sniff of it. There’s no understandable argument for why Ashley Westwood has been allowed to play four full seasons in the Premier League doing nothing and Jeff Hendrick hasn’t even been looked at.
It’s universal.
How many player of the season awards does Richard Keogh have to win in the Championship before someone takes a ‘risk’ on him. Instead, there’s a parade of overpaid, overhyped, average centre halves doing the rounds in the top level for no other reason but for the small fact that they’re already there.
If Jamie Vardy hadn’t risen through the divisions with Leicester, he would never have been given a chance. But when he got the opportunity on a bigger stage than he was ever offered, he showed he was good enough – miles better than most of the rubbish already there.
Jeff Hendrick did the same in France.
If Ashley Westwood is worth £6m then Jeff Hendrick is worth £12m easily #dcfc #dcfcfans
— Derby County Polls (@RamsPolls) July 7, 2016
Hendrick got the stage and he thrived under its spotlight.
He showed his athleticism was better than some of the best. He showed his aggression could lift a country. He showed his talent on the ball, his will to make things happen, his skill and adventure, his danger anywhere in the far vicinity of the goals.
Every time Jeff Hendrick was in possession, he was moving forward. His momentum was incredible and, along with Robbie Brady, they struck fear into the Swedes, the Italians, the French and, yes, even the Belgians.
They proved that they belonged at the top level even if it took wadding through all the shit with their country just to get there and show what they could do. That’s the only choice Jeff Hendrick had because, otherwise, no-one would ever have trusted him to play at the top – until they saw him play at the top.
Four games later and Jeff Hendrick is one of the most sought-after men in Europe. And rightly so.
Celtic fans want him for Champions League football.
😂 Can't see it.He wanted Joe Allen,but too expensive.Jeff Hendrick would be a quality addition.
— Celtic Symphony (@DM8883) July 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/paulgray211/status/747413187356692480
Newcastle are relegated and they’re clamouring for Hendrick to get them straight back up.
@KevinDoocey will we go chat to Rafa next week and get him to sign Jeff Hendrick
— Kevin Monaghan (@youngmono) July 5, 2016
i think using the money to buy Jeff hendrick, will Hughes and Lewis cook would be a good move
— DavyBaty81 (@david_baty) July 5, 2016
If we were to sell Gouffran and sign Jeff Hendrick I think I'd die of happiness #NUFC
— Andy Heppel (@AjHeppel) July 2, 2016
Watford fans have more bizarre reasons – but reasons nonetheless.
https://twitter.com/LKenz/status/749732245234130945
https://twitter.com/aadilsham/status/747168149016018945
Would love to see Watford sign Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick #watfordfc #IRL
— David Morrissey (@dave_pats) June 26, 2016
Hull City don’t deserve him. Not when their fans see Hendrick as back-up to Livermore and Huddlestone.
https://twitter.com/AmazingAbel_/status/750377634924814337
Others have more ambitious plans.
https://twitter.com/NeilGallagher96/status/750361446026969089
The pressure is mounting on Liverpool too.
https://twitter.com/Ciaran_Mc_Co/status/748350201392398336
It’s getting aggressive now.
https://twitter.com/Liam27White/status/747087576700432384
Derby fans have one big wish this summer.
As long as we keep hold of Hendrick and Hughes, I wouldn't be disappointed if we didn't sign anyone this summer
— Ashley Chapman (@AshChapman94) July 7, 2016
Instead though, Hendrick is being linked with Middlesbrough. He’s being linked with Hull City. He’s being linked with Burnley. Why? Because they missed out on Joey f**king Barton.
Jeff Hendrick is not a contingency plan and he’s certainly not a plan B for Joey Barton. It’s like missing out on the Sugababes as your wedding band and trying to soften the blow by settling for The Beatles.
Maybe Jeff Hendrick isn’t at Beatles level just yet but he could be if someone would listen to his bloody record.
