A number of Newcastle United supporters criticised the performance of midfielder Jeff Hendrick following the Magpies’ 2-1 defeat at home to Leeds United on Tuesday night as they fell to another defeat.
Steve Bruce was in need of a positive result to end a dismal run of form, but the Magpies were completely outplayed in the first half and were deservedly behind at the break. The second half performance, helped by a change of shape and the arrival of Allan Saint-Maximin, was much better from Newcastle but they were still unable to pick up a point and are now winless in 11 matches.
One player who struggled for the Magpies, especially during the opening 45 minutes, was Hendrick. The midfielder was anonymous at times and had far fewer touches on the ball (46) than Fabian Schar (63), with the Swiss defender often the one stepping into midfield and trying to make things happen. The 28-year-old Irishman also lost possession 10 times and had just a 78% passing accuracy rate, while he was one of just two outfield Newcastle players who failed to record a single shot on the night (Sofascore).
Hendrick improved somewhat when he was tasked with dropping back into the defence alongside Jamaal Lascelles in the closing stages and allowed other players to try and cause problems for Leeds. The midfielder has come under fire for some of his performances since making the move to Newcastle, and this was another display which would have failed to win over his critics.
Newcastle fans slam Jeff Hendrick’s performance
Many Newcastle fans were left frustrated with Hendrick’s quality in possession and his lack of presence in the middle of the park, especially in the first half. One angry Geordie even labelled the Irishman a “pointless footballer”, such is the frustration that he evoked.
Look at the determination from Hendrick to get back there! Joke! #NUFC
— Lewis McNeill (@LewisMcNeill9) January 26, 2021
https://twitter.com/ducks21/status/1354132595957760000
Jeff Hendrick is the worst footballer I’ve ever seen #NEWLEE #NUFC #BRUCEOUT
— Jack (@jack314_) January 26, 2021
Hendrick is very good at hiding during games. There's a skill in making sure you're just in the wrong place so you can be passed around or you can't be passed to. #nufc
— Zachet (@TheZachet) January 26, 2021
Jonjo and Hendrick, easily the worst CM partnership in the league! Absolutely woeful #NUFC #NEWLEE
— S444 NKA (@s114nka) January 26, 2021
I’ve watched Newcastle United since 1986 and I’ve never saw a more pointless footballer than Jeff Hendrick. #NUFC
— Craig (@LostSoulsForEva) January 26, 2021
Schär playing out and coming to do Hendrick’s job in midfield ? how bad is Hendrick man. #NUFC
— Luke Robinson (@LukeRobbo10) January 26, 2021
Get Hendrick off man! He offers us nothing at all. #NUFC
— TTR (@TheToonReview) January 26, 2021
Jeff Hendrick is stealing a living! ? #NUFC
— Daniel Williams (@dwills_1992) January 26, 2021
