Jurgen Klopp rates Jordan Henderson and has no plans to replace Liverpool’s captain.
The manager has praised the English midfielder, who’s come under criticism from some supporters following the first three games of our season.
In fairness to Henderson, he’s been used as an anchoring midfielder in Emre Can’s absence, a position which isn’t natural to him – but he’s not complained and given his all to the side – in spite of this.
“I have no doubt,” Klopp told the Echo, when asked about the skipper’s future.
“I see him every day in training so if I was doubting him then he would not be here.
“It’s quite easy. I like this player and he is very important for this club 100%. There is absolutely no doubt.”
Despite this praise, Klopp wants Henderson to get better and reckons because he’s only 25, this is likely.
“What am I expecting from Jordan? Improvement. He is a wonderful skilled player and his attitude is outstanding,” he continued.
“He always wants to work and work hard. He is still a young player, even though he has played a lot of games.
“It is about decision making – not to too often make the special things, just more what you need to do rather than what you want to do.
“A Liverpool player at a big club with not so much success in recent years is always doubted a little bit.
“They always have to show that they are not the reason we have not made the next step. Of course that’s not the reason.
“There are more reasons for not being successful and it keeps these players always trying to convince everyone.
“Stay cool, try to play football, it is not that difficult. Not only for Jordan but for a lot of our players.”
Klopp has been deploying a 4-3-3 this season, and Henderson’s best position in this formation would be either side of a natural anchorman in a box-to-box role.
When Emre Can is fully fit he’ll be a shoe-in at the base of midfield, so Henderson will be competing with Gini Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana and Marko Grujic for the two spots just ahead in the middle trio.
It’s only fair for the fanbase to judge the captain when he’s had a prolonged run in his best position – not now he’s doing his best to fill in deep.
Let’s get behind Henderson. He’s earned our loyalty with his effort.