Why Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson must continue playing further forward

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Jurgen Klopp must persist with Jordan Henderson in a more advanced role to give Liverpool their best chance of winning silverware this season.

The German manager apologised to Hendo and Liverpool supporters after the Porto win on Tuesday, saying he is sorry for not being able to play him further forward over the last year and a half.

Against the Liga Nos outfit, the skipper was in a real mood as he constantly harried and pressed Porto’s midfield and forced unnecessary mistakes from the likes of Oliver Torres and Danilo Pereira.

But more impressive was his impact in the final third, which has often been slated by Liverpool fans and voices in the press as being non-existent.

The pass he played to Trent Alexander-Arnold in the buildup to Roberto Firmino’s goal was world-class and reflective of the quality he can show when played in the right position.

His cameo against Southampton in the Premier League should have been a sign of what was and is still to come from the 28-year-old. His goal, following a lung-busting run to keep up with play, was well-deserved and won’t be a bolt out of the blue as history tells us.

The last time Henderson played consistently as a no.8, he finished that season – the 14/15 campaign – with six goals and nine assists. The previous season – the fateful 13/14 campaign – saw him record four goals and seven assists.

These are not the numbers of a world-class play-maker but of a very good midfielder whose value skyrockets when you factor in the work he puts in off the ball.

Liverpool’s best midfield three without adding new players this summer is Fabinho, Henderson and Keita.

That trio has energy, defensive solidity, goals, assists and in Hendo’s case, in particular, an incredible desire to win silverware with the Reds.

There have never been any doubts about his loyalty or passion but in a more advanced role, he is proving that he can be of value. Klopp needs to persist with him in the no.8 role and give his team its best chance of winning trophies.