Jordan Henderson believes both England and Liverpool are suffering from a lack of creativity due to the absence of Adam Lallana.
Lallana, 30, has failed to start a match since March and is currently recovering from a hamstring injury picked up against Crystal Palace in August. He did make a couple of fleeting substitute appearances against Brighton in May and Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Despite his late return to action, the playmaker was overlooked by Gareth Southgate for the World Cup, and he has since suffered another injury setback, having featured in the Reds’ second match of the season against the Eagles.
The former Southampton midfielder has seen his career blighted by recurring injury problems the past few seasons but Henderson believes that once he is back, Liverpool and England will reap the rewards.
“He is such a big talent – not so long ago he was England’s player of the year,” Henderson told reporters (via Goal).
“He is a massive player. I feel that we have missed him, both with Liverpool and with England.
“It’s exciting for me to know that when he comes back in, he can take us forward even more. He can help us get better and I am excited for Liverpool and England for him to get back playing football and to show everyone what he is capable of.
“There’s not many players that play like Adam. He is unique in that way, how he links the play. He’s so good on the ball, he’s got a great work ethic and he still does the defensive work.
“We have missed him in the sense of what he brings to the team. It would have been a boost to have had him at the World Cup. And for Liverpool too.
“Last season would have been even better for both teams because of the talent that he is.
“But if he stays fit he can be a massive player for us going forward and still have a big impact.”
Lallana has returned to full fitness after sustaining a thigh problem whilst on England duty in September, and he will be looking to feature when the Reds travel to Huddersfield on Saturday.
England’s creative spark
In the absence of Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere – all through injury – the Three Lions have looked bereft of creativity.
However, the latest squad announcement saw the inclusion of Mason Mount, James Maddison and Jadon Sancho, with the trident offering immense technical ability, that could help solve Southgate’s No. 10 conundrum.
All three have started the season in immense form for their respective clubs, and the future certainly looks bright for England with the potential creativity on offer.
Sancho made his international introduction on Friday as England drew 0-0 with Croatia in the Nations League. They next face Spain in Group 4 on Monday.
The post Liverpool and England have missed Adam Lallana, says Jordan Henderson appeared first on Squawka News.
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