Who knew rondos could be so confusing…
Jordan Henderson was left stunned by Manchester United defender Harry Maguire in a bizarre moment during an England training session.
Liverpool captain Henderson and Red Devils skipper Maguire were on the same team for a training drill ahead of Saturday’s 2-1 friendly victory over Switzerland.
“What you doing?”
The pair were involved in a rondo – which is a training drill that involves several players attempting to keep the ball away from one or two players by attempting to pass around them in a small zone.
In this case, it was Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope and Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish.
Rondos usually see the ball moved at pace in order to keep a high tempo and replicate an in-game situation. However, Maguire’s decision to control the ball and wait for Pope to close him down confused the Liverpool midfielder.
😂| Hendo to Maguire during a rondo: ‘What you doin’??’ https://t.co/ybYgIhAfuA
— The Kopite Podcast (@Kopite_Podcast) March 26, 2022
“What you doing?” asked Henderson, as the rest of the players involved look equally confused on an episode of Inside Training posted on England’s YouTube channel.
The video cuts away from the action, which leaves viewers guessing as to Maguire’s explanation.
Is Maguire’s World Cup spot in danger?
Maguire has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford, and was even ironically cheered by sections of the crowd when he was substituted in United’s recent defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
The 29-year-old has been heavily criticised this season for a number of disappointing performances and costly errors – with several people questioning his position as club captain.
Last month, Maguire denied suggestions that he and Cristiano Ronaldo were embroiled in a row over the captaincy at the club.
It was initially reported that interim manager Rangnick had spoken to both Ronaldo and Maguire about relinquishing the latter of his duties as captain until the end of the season.
Despite calls from some fans for the defender to be dropped from the England squad, Gareth Southgate admitted that he never considered dropping him despite his recent poor form.
Related links.
- Stephen Kenny: Belgium struggled against Ireland’s ‘relentless pressing’.
- Ireland player ratings as Stephen Kenny’s team draw 2-2 with Belgium in Dublin.
- Mick McCarthy sums up what Ireland fans are saying about Chiedozie Ogbene.
