Last Updated: Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:35
Jordan Henderson says the criticism he received during his first year at Liverpool has spurred him on to become a better player.
The England international arrived at Anfield for £16million in the summer of 2011 and was expected to add creativity and flair to a midfield that had struggled since the departure of Xabi Alonso.
However, he struggled to find his form, leading of criticism from both pundits and fans alike.
This saw him spend plenty of time on the bench, but rather than being discouraged by the event, he has gone away and worked hard at his game.
He has now once again established himself in the starting line-up ahead of Sunday's trip to Manchester City and punters may look to use their free bet to back Brendan Rodgers' men to record a surprise win.
Victory would see the Reds moving further into Top Four contention and with him quickly a key member of the side, the 22-year-old is desperate to continue his rise.
"I wasn't playing regularly back in August so they gave me the option to go," Henderson told the Daily Mail. "I didn't want to go anywhere. I came to Liverpool wanting to stay here for the rest of my career. I certainly didn't want to leave after a year.
"I think I might have needed it, to be honest. I just feel if I keep working hard, and pushing on, I might not get as much criticism in the future."
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