Klopp explains the potential roles for Henderson in Liverpool’s new-look midfield

Jürgen Klopp has reiterated that Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is still a major part of his plans for this season, despite the increased level of competition for places in the Reds’ midfield.

Henderson, 28, was back in action in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Torino on Tuesday night, despite having only returned from his holidays on Sunday. The England midfielder is believed to have been training hard in the build-up to his return to action to give himself as good a chance of being ready for the new season as possible.

Klopp has explained how Henderson could be used in his side ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

“Hendo is so important to us, not only as a player but also as a person and as a leader,” Klopp told the Liverpool Echo.

“You need these players like Hendo and Millie to help create a special spirit in the squad, otherwise it doesn’t work.

“There are no doubts about Hendo. I didn’t need the final proof in and around the World Cup or in last season.

“He had to learn kind of a new position for him. I still remember the Burnley game (at Turf Moor last season) when we lost 2-0 with 80 per cent possession.

“Hendo for sure was involved in the first goal with a press ball that he didn’t win. One of the main things I was asked about after the game was: ‘Can he really play as the No.6?’ I said: ‘Yes, he can and he will.’ He had to learn and he had to improve and that’s exactly what he did.

“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.

“If things were fixed with just one line-up and all the others were only needed when the rest are ill that would be the wrong way and we’d have no chance.”

A different role for Henderson this season?

Liverpool made Fabinho their first signing of this summer after agreeing to a £43.7m deal with Monaco in May. The Brazilian holding-midfielder’s price tag would suggest he will play the majority of Liverpool’s games this season, so where does that leave Henderson?

The former Sunderland winger did, of course, used to be seen as a more attacking midfield player. In his early days at Liverpool, he was used as a wide midfield player or in a more advanced central role.

But Klopp has moulded Henderson into a number 6 since his arrival at the club and last season was perhaps his most impressive campaign in this role, for both club and country.

Both Henderson and Fabinho are capable of playing as the deepest midfielder or in a more advanced position and with Liverpool hoping to go far in all of the competitions they’re involved in this season, there will be plenty of starts for both players.

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