Jordan Henderson should start every single game for Liverpool, regardless of form.
That’s the view of former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy. Speaking on TalkSPORT, Murphy claimed that Jurgen Klopp should have Henderson in his XI, even if he’s training poorly.
“I don’t see them train, but I’m still surprised every time I see a Liverpool team sheet. I don’t care how he’s training, Henderson plays every game for me. Still. He’s the heartbeat of the midfield, he’s still got the legs to do it and for seem reason, he [Klopp] keeps leaving him out,” said the pundit.
“I know Fabinho’s had a tough time. But when you’ve got players who have done two or three years brilliant seasons for you and been consistent, allow them to go through their bad spell and put them back in.
“So I think some of his [Klopp] decisions have been a bit strange recently. But the players have to take some responsibility.”
Henderson has lost his place in the side to Naby Keita of late, as Klopp looks to solve his midfield issues.
Henderson not earning his place
No, we’re not on board with this at all. Every player has to earn every start they get for Liverpool. Throughout this season Henderson simply hasn’t been good enough to that.
To be fair to Klopp, he’s given his skipper plenty of chances. It isn’t as though Hendo has been bombed out of the side.
The 32-year-old started the season very much in Liverpool’s best XI. With the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain injured, there was a real chance for him to hammer that home.
Instead, Henderson seemed to suffer a steep and quick decline. Despite what Murphy says, the £20m man no longer looks capable of haring around as the box-to-box midfielder Liverpool are crying out for.
As a result, you won’t find too many Reds fans grumbling at his exclusion right now.
Despite what happened at the weekend, Keita has also proven to be a better replacement for the time being. Prior to the Wolves debacle Liverpool looked much stronger with the Guinean in the side instead of Henderson. Things may change as the season progresses but for now, we’re happy with Klopp’s decision on his captain.