McAvennie issues emphatic verdict after Jordan Henderson footage emerges from Liverpool
Frank McAvennie has rubbished the idea of Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson’s penalty tactic distracting goalkeepers.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said goalkeepers are a “different breed”.
Reds fans spotted Henderson copying Mohamed Salah’s run-up for his penalty in the 2-0 win over Rangers last week (4 October).
Henderson stood ten yards behind Salah and copied his run-up stride for stride as he slotted home the penalty.
James Milner has also been seen using a similar tactic in Liverpool’s Community Shield match with Man City in July.
Some fans have suggested Henderson’s technique was used to distract Allan McGregor and put Henderson in a good position for the rebound.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the latest, McAvennie said: “That will not have bothered McGregor.
“He will not even be watching that. A good goalkeeper, you can do all you want to try and distract them but goalkeepers are a funny breed.
“They focus when there are penalties being taken and I have got nothing but respect for them. Keepers will have watched Salah taking penalties.
“Good strikers are good penalty takers, they do not put it in the same place all the time. I would not want to be up against Salah. It would frighten the life out of you.“
Liverpool stormed to victory in the away leg of the Champions League clash with a 7-1 victory over the Glasgow club on Wednesday (12 October).
They are currently second in Group A with nine points from four games.
In other news, McAvennie said he ‘feels sorry for Connor Goldson’ as he digs at ‘terrified’ Rangers teammate.