OPINION
Liverpool’s summer spending spree, which has seen them splash out around £160million on four players, has led many to wonder about the futures of several established senior stars at Anfield.
The area in which the club have strengthened most is midfield, with Jurgen Klopp securing a £52million deal for Naby Keita and a £43million transfer for Fabinho.
Both players add major quality to the Reds midfield ranks, and after spending such huge amounts of cash on the duo, it would be a surprise to see either one of them spend much time on the bench this season.
That puts several players at risk of a significantly diminished role in the team in 2018/19, with stars such as Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner set to take a backseat role after these arrivals.
There have also been questions over the future of club captain Jordan Henderson, whose place also looked under threat following these two acquisitions.
However, Klopp has now laid those fears to rest. As quoted by the Mirror, he said: “Hendo is so important to us, not only as a player but also as a person and as a leader. There are no doubts about Hendo.
“I didn’t need the final proof in and around the World Cup or in last season. He can still play as the eight or we could play some games with a double six, Fabinho could play the eight or whatever, that’s all possible.”
This seems to suggest that Henderson is still set for a big role in Liverpool’s season, both on and off the pitch, and that can only be a good thing for the club moving forward.
The senior midfielder has received more than his fair share of criticism over the years from Liverpool fans, but his performances for the club over the past two seasons have been stellar.
The 28-year-old has also enjoyed a stunning summer with England, playing a key part in their run to the semi-finals, and that should put him in good stead to pick up where he left and have a huge season for the club.
Henderson is such an underrated presence in the Reds midfield, and he will be key in helping Keita and Fabinho adapt quickly to the Premier League.
All in all this is brilliant news for Liverpool, who are set for an exciting season after such a brilliant summer of spending.
