16 May 2016

Bad News: 'Brilliant' €35m Liverpool star may be 'on the bench' for Sevilla game, claims Aldo

On Sunday, Jordan Henderson returned from injury to make a 30-minute cameo against West Brom, but will that be enough for him to win a starting spot in the Europa League final this week?

Reds legend John Aldridge doesn't think so. In his column for the Liverpool Echo today, he mused:

"I think Jordan Henderson will have to make do with starting on the bench in Basel. He might play a part in some way but I think we all know the team – it’s the one that’s played most of the games in Europe".

Aldo is probably correct, but €35m-rated Henderson's status as club captain cannot be discounted, and that may hold some weight when it comes to Klopp's final selection decision.

Additionally, Henderson will have four straight days of training before the final, and in that period, he may convince Klopp that he's ready to lead the team.

If Hendo starts, who makes way? It's safe to assume that Can, Milner, Sturridge, and Coutinho are nailed-on starters. That leaves Firmino and Lallana, and of the two, the Brazilian is more prolific for Liverpool this season.

For me, it's a no-brainer: if Hendo is to start, then Lallana needs to make way. Possible team with Hendo:

--------------- Mignolet
Clyne ----- Lovren - Toure --- Moreno
------------- Can -- Hendo
Milner ------- Firmino ---- Coutinho
------------- Sturridge

* Henderson^ is a more effective centrally-based midfielder than Milner.

* Out wide, Milner is a more prolific provider of goals/assists than Lallana, and his cross accuracy is far superior.

If Lallana starts ahead of Henderson, the team will almost certainly be:

--------------- Mignolet
Clyne ----- Lovren - Toure --- Moreno
------------- Can -- Milner
Lallana ------- Firmino ---- Coutinho
------------- Sturridge

Milner is wasted in central midfield, and in the biggest game of the season, an 'aces in their places' policy is arguably preferable.

Who should start on Wednesday: Hendo or Lallana?

^ Jan 2016: Described by Klopp as 'brilliant'.

Author: Jaimie K


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