Jordan Henderson has rediscovered footballing 'pleasure' at Ajax following Saudi Pro League nightmare with Al-Ettifaq as ex-Liverpool man fights for England spot ahead of Euro 2024

Henderson has made six appearances for Ajax since joining from Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq in January and he has impressed manager Van 't Schip. The Dutch giants' gaffer maintains that the 33-year-old has rediscovered his passion after a testing period in Saudi Arabia, and has also hinted that manager Gareth Southgate should call him up for the European Championship this summer.

He said after Ajax's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League: "He is a real professional, he’s a leader and I think you can see it on the pitch. The boys around him feel that and accept that as well. He helps the team a lot in that kind of way.

"Of course he had a difficult start because he came out of Saudi Arabia, didn’t play for months and of course he wasn’t happy. He immediately found his pleasure back in training and playing games. At first he maybe didn’t get the results he wanted but now you can see he is very important both on the pitch and off the pitch, talking about things that can improve the whole environment."

Speaking of Henderson making the England squad, he added: "Well, if you have seen him play today, and against PSV…I think Southgate knows very well what he can get from Jordan."

Henderson has spoken of his "hurt" to see Liverpool thriving in his absence, while he was widely criticised for his move to Saudi Arabia. Now, he is attempting to rebuild his reputation in the Netherlands.

Ajax face Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie this weekend. The club are currently fifth in the Dutch top-flight, but they are 27 points behind leaders PSV, who are currently unbeaten.