Danny Murphy has claimed that Jordan Henderson could have made Liverpool’s starting XI still after the midfielder was sold this summer.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the pundit claimed that the England international would be his first name on the Liverpool teamsheet ahead of the new Premier League season.
Henderson’s departure from Liverpool has been one of the shock sales of the summer as the former Anfield captain reunited with Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq.
With Liverpool also losing Fabinho, the Reds have lost quite the amount of experience in the midfield this window, with Henderson’s departure likely to be a key moment for Jurgen Klopp’s side this summer.
Indeed, the decision has split supporters, and Murphy believes Henderson should have stayed. The pundit said: “I am really looking forward to seeing Alexis Mac Allister for Liverpool but losing Jordan Henderson is a blow.
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“For me he still would have been the first name on the teamsheet. They will have to replace his physicality and the dynamism he brings to their midfield – the ability to press well and spot danger.”
Murphy could be onto something with Henderson starting for Liverpool
It’s rare to find yourself agreeing with a pundit like Murphy, but a point is there to be made that Henderson would be a starter had he remained with Liverpool instead of moving to Saudi Arabia.
Given Liverpool’s current options, the Reds are looking woefully short in midfield in terms of experience, something Henderson has in droves during his 12-year spell with the Anfield giants.
Whilst not a natural defensive midfielder, Henderson could have been the ideal player for the position as Liverpool continue their search for a signing, with Curtis Jones not ready yet to take on the role.