Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso believes Reds captain Jordan Henderson is now becoming a more complete player as he is playing in a variety of midfield positions.
Henderson started off his career at Anfield on the right hand side of midfield under Kenny Dalglish before excelling in a box to box role under Brendan Rodgers. He then switched to be part of a two man central midfield before Jurgen Klopp converted him into a deep holding midfielder this season. Bayern’s Alonso said that all of these positional changes will help Henderson to learn. He is quoted by the Liverpool Echo as saying:
“Jordan has so much energy, he plays well and he’s very complete. Not just as a holding midfielder, he’s able to get closer to the box. He’s becoming a very important player. You need to adapt to your team and team-mates, and the opponent as well.”
“It’s different when you play a game against a team that tries to play or a team that wants to play long balls and you need to be more focused on the second ball or try to be more physical. The more complete you are, the better you will adapt for the long season. Henderson does it very well.”
With both Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum struggling to be fit for tonight’s match against Manchester United, Henderson may have to move forward to allow Emre Can to come in to the side. The Reds could go top of the Premier League tonight with a win, although it would take a big victory to do so to leapfrog Manchester City and Arsenal on goal difference.
