Adam Lallana has revealed that Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been “the best mate” to him during his recent injury problems.
The England international has had a torrid run of luck, suffering various complaints that have kept him sidelined for a lengthy spell, but he has opened up and revealed how important the skipper has been in getting him through some of his darker moments.
Speaking to the Times, he said: “With injuries, you do retreat. I tried so hard not to, but there were so many.
“I remember one time Jordan picked me up and for the first five minutes, I couldn’t say anything or look at him. But he knew. Eventually, we did speak about what was happening with me. I got it all out. During those car journeys, you end up speaking about the most difficult things.
“You appreciate where your mate is and he’s been the best mate to me. I was so pleased when he lifted the Champions League because he deserved that moment for everything he puts into making sure the team is successful.”
OPINION
You have to feel for Lallana for everything he has been through. Whereas long term injury lay-offs at least give the sufferer a definitive end goal to be working towards, a spell of smaller, less severe injuries like Lallana’s can be the worst to cope with mentally. It’s a constant moving of the goalposts, a sense of repetitive disappointment that can really wear a player down and make him feel isolated from his profession and his teammates. That’s why it’s so good to hear him speak about Henderson in these terms. It is clear that the Kop skipper takes his role way beyond the confines of the pitch, and his selflessness and dedication to his colleagues is admirable. As for Lallana, he will feel ready to make the step back up to regular action as soon as possible now, and even though he may be that little bit older now, there is nothing to suggest that he can’t become a vital player for the Reds once again.
