England played him wrong imo.
He needs to freedom to be the playmaker in midfield, Pearce set him out to be the ball winning holding player, he simple can't do it.
He's more of a Meireles type player than a Lucas one IMO, give him a bit more freedom than he got with England and he'll be a cracking player.
Because he's been awfull at tackling, and getting a hold of the ball, or controlling the midfield, it must automatically mean he's more of an offensive player right? I can't recall him scoring many goals for Sunderland last season, shots on goal, or any attacking flair.
Even if Pearce's tactics aside, you'd expect to see some basic midfield skills. He just doesn't seem to have any outstanding attribute for a 20 million pound player.
You can see why the Mancs paid 16 million for Jones, he has some raw attributes, raw defensive skills you can play on. I remember people barked when Villa payed 12 million for Ashley Young, but you could see he had raw pace, some skill, and could become a player. With Carrol you can see he has the height, phsyicality, a great shot on him. You look for some attritbutes in young players. Don't see anything particularly exciting about Henderson.