Liverpool face a tough Premier League encounter with Swansea City on Monday night, and based on the first three games of the season, it seems likely that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will - Glen Johnson and possibly Martin Skrtel aside - stick with the same winning team. The club's new signings will be itching to make their debuts, but none of the players who featured against Manchester United deserve to be dropped, and Reds legend Alan Kennedy insists that Jordan Henderson should be one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Responding to a suggestion that Henderson may be one of the players to make way in the next league game, Kennedy - who won five league titles and two European Cups during his time at Anfield - told the 5-Times Podcast:
"Jordan Henderson is playing out of skin. He’s playing fantastic, so why change the team?"
Absolutely right. Henderson improved exponentially last season, and he's carried that form over to this season, and deserves to be in the team on merit. There are some key advantages to having Hendo in the team right now:
* He brings much-needed speed, strength, mobility and athleticism to Liverpool's midfield.
* He's one of the taller players in the team, which brings balance.
* With Lucas providing zero goal-threat, Hendo picks up the creative slack.
Having said that, it seems likely he'll be sacrificed at some stage as there's (seemingly) no other way to accommodate Coutinho playing centrally. If the Brazilian plays in midfield, where does that leave Henderson? As Rodgers has repeatedly suggested, he wants Coutinho to play centrally, and the addition of Moses to the squad will allow that to happen. Possible scenarios:
TEAM A
--------------- Sturridge
----- Moses ---------------- Suarez
---------------- Coutinho
--------- Gerrard -------- Lucas
Depending on how Moses performs, this could possibly be Rodgers' first choice line-up over the coming months, and to be honest, it's hard to argue with it. If fit, Rodgers is always going to start Sturridge, Suarez, Lucas, Gerrard, and Coutinho, and the leaves just one spot to fill. Of course, Coutinho could play on the left, and Hendo could take the central role, but Rodgers' repeated comments on the subject suggest otherwise.
TEAM B
---------------- Sturridge
----- Suarez ---------------- Aspas/Sterling/Moses
---------------- Coutinho
--------- Gerrard -------- Lucas
Henderson could operate on the right of a front three, and he's played there before, but it's not his most effective position. It all depends on how Aspas performs. So far, despite lots of effort and application, the Spaniard's creative return is lacking, which could increase Hendo's chances of making the team.
TEAM C
--------------------- Suarez
-- Moses/Sterling ---------------- Aspas/Alberto
---------------- Coutinho
--------- Gerrard -------- Lucas
If Sturridge gets injured, then Suarez will definitely move to the central striker role. In this scenario, Henderson probably has more of a chance to reclaim the central role from Coutinho, but even then, Rodgers has options to retain the Brazilian in his favoured position.
One thing that may go against Henderson is his comparative inconsistency in front of goal. Rodgers must prioritise goalscoring midfielders, and despite the winning start, Liverpool have struggled to score goals this season, and Henderson has neither scored nor created in three league games.
Ultimately, whoever is scoring/creating should regularly be in the team, and if Moses comes in and does the business, I can see Henderson taking a step down to the bench.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
Responding to a suggestion that Henderson may be one of the players to make way in the next league game, Kennedy - who won five league titles and two European Cups during his time at Anfield - told the 5-Times Podcast:
"Jordan Henderson is playing out of skin. He’s playing fantastic, so why change the team?"
Absolutely right. Henderson improved exponentially last season, and he's carried that form over to this season, and deserves to be in the team on merit. There are some key advantages to having Hendo in the team right now:
* He brings much-needed speed, strength, mobility and athleticism to Liverpool's midfield.
* He's one of the taller players in the team, which brings balance.
* With Lucas providing zero goal-threat, Hendo picks up the creative slack.
Having said that, it seems likely he'll be sacrificed at some stage as there's (seemingly) no other way to accommodate Coutinho playing centrally. If the Brazilian plays in midfield, where does that leave Henderson? As Rodgers has repeatedly suggested, he wants Coutinho to play centrally, and the addition of Moses to the squad will allow that to happen. Possible scenarios:
TEAM A
--------------- Sturridge
----- Moses ---------------- Suarez
---------------- Coutinho
--------- Gerrard -------- Lucas
Depending on how Moses performs, this could possibly be Rodgers' first choice line-up over the coming months, and to be honest, it's hard to argue with it. If fit, Rodgers is always going to start Sturridge, Suarez, Lucas, Gerrard, and Coutinho, and the leaves just one spot to fill. Of course, Coutinho could play on the left, and Hendo could take the central role, but Rodgers' repeated comments on the subject suggest otherwise.
TEAM B
---------------- Sturridge
----- Suarez ---------------- Aspas/Sterling/Moses
---------------- Coutinho
--------- Gerrard -------- Lucas
Henderson could operate on the right of a front three, and he's played there before, but it's not his most effective position. It all depends on how Aspas performs. So far, despite lots of effort and application, the Spaniard's creative return is lacking, which could increase Hendo's chances of making the team.
TEAM C
--------------------- Suarez
-- Moses/Sterling ---------------- Aspas/Alberto
---------------- Coutinho
--------- Gerrard -------- Lucas
If Sturridge gets injured, then Suarez will definitely move to the central striker role. In this scenario, Henderson probably has more of a chance to reclaim the central role from Coutinho, but even then, Rodgers has options to retain the Brazilian in his favoured position.
One thing that may go against Henderson is his comparative inconsistency in front of goal. Rodgers must prioritise goalscoring midfielders, and despite the winning start, Liverpool have struggled to score goals this season, and Henderson has neither scored nor created in three league games.
Ultimately, whoever is scoring/creating should regularly be in the team, and if Moses comes in and does the business, I can see Henderson taking a step down to the bench.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
Second half against Man U he was our best player,everywhere when needed!
ReplyDeleteGood player in a good team, he cant expect to play every game of the season, that said judging by his last 3 performances he will play more then most this year should he keep performing in the same vain, keep it up Heno!
ReplyDeleteHe can always come at second half while defending a lead.and why can't he take up lucas' place occasionally
ReplyDeleteSeems the most likely scenario. Hendo to bench. He doesnt deserve it as he has been quality, but really is difficult to see an alternative.
ReplyDeleteWith all the top teams dropping early points we have a big oppertunity on monday, and with Manchester Derby, London Derby, Chelsea City coming up over the next 4 weeks, we face Soton at home, Sund away, Palace at home, with West Brom at home two weeks after that.
I think than Hendo will feature more in the big games than the games than the games where we are expected to win. It's a bit like how Fergie used Darren Fletcher before he got injured.
ReplyDeleteWe NEED hendo in the team, he works so hard, and he has a excellent engine,
ReplyDeleteFor me...not quite sure why Lucas is an automatic pick. I wonder if Gerrard could play his role. I mean is Lucas that much better of a defender than Gerrard? On the other hand, is Gerrard that much better of a distributor of the ball and a goal scoring threat? Plus Gerrard isn't that adventurous going forward anymore. I would like to see a Continho, Gerrard, Henderson middle on the regular. Henderson's engine, desire, and defense in the midfield is irreplaceable right now IMHO and he is adequate going forward. I feel if Hendo goes out, our clean sheet streak will be in increased jeopardy.
ReplyDeleteHe cant play against Chelski as he is there player!
ReplyDeleteHe can't play against his parent club
ReplyDeleteIf you mean Jack Wilshere, then I think he ought to be playing. I thought he looked great today. Very quick, good field vision and a great attacking mindset.
ReplyDeleteAh yes forgot about that. Thanks
ReplyDeleteLucas is playing well and seemingly back to his best. He's going to take some shifting IMO. Also, it's takes a strong squad to dowell in the premier league and we don't have a huge amount of depth in midfield so all these guys should get plenty of football this year. It's all our centre backs I worry for as those positions are typically not rotated so often. As for Hendo, keep it up son - you're doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see that Henderson has come so far that the discussion is no longer Henderson v Allen, who both supposedly play the same role in the team, but Henderson v Lucas whose purpose in the team is completely different.
ReplyDeleteWe have so many good defensive options presently, that I wonder how that will impact the Henderson/Lucas situation. Lucas presently gets the nod because a defensive midfielder seems to be an absolute necessity. But if our defence proves to be as dominant and resolute as I think it can be, do we need a defensive midfielder? The energy of a player like Henderson may be more profitable.
I think the competition is coming from Ross Barkley too. What a talent that lad is. As an England fan I would like to see Rodwell playing some more football and not see another prospect rotting on the bench at city
ReplyDeletewhen gerrard,lucas and henderson have all started a game together in the pl liverpool have only lost once to west brom
ReplyDeleteso no dont drop hendo
@jk plus if we were to play 352 which would see us use 3 cbs and suarez sturridge and coutinho play in their preferred positions
ReplyDeletewith gleno out hendo can easily play rwb
good shout?
when hendo starts we usually win when he doesnt we usually struggle.....its that simple...hendo has been playing better than tino and should be in the team on merit
ReplyDeleteIMO it looks like 352 is the future
ReplyDeletesuarez,sturridge up front aspas moses back up and sterling
coutinho gerrard henderson midfield lucas allen and alberto back up
johnson rwb hendo emergency enrique lwb cissoko back up
toure,agger and sakho cb skrtel ,kelly and iloris back up
that way our best players all play in their best positions
and we seem to have more depth by using 5 attackers rather then 6
we only lost once when hendo ,gerrard and lucas have played in the pl
ReplyDeleteto west brom which was the teams worst performance
henderson started last season as 7th choice midfielder
ReplyDeletebehind gerrard,lucas,alllen ,sahin ,shelvey and suso
so massive credit to him to fight back into the team and play so well every game
If we are winning no changes should be made, and yes that includes Skrtel.
ReplyDeleteMost people including myself thought that Rodgers would bench Hendo at the start of the season in favour of Allen or more attacking players but this was not the case. So to drop him in a tough away fixture where a player like him is needed would not make any sense. I've said this so many times now, Henderson provides such a key balance to the team which is necessary and no one else provides that. Our last league defeat was against Southampton where Rodgers dumped Hendo for an injured Allen to accommodate more attacking players and it turned into a disaster.
New signings must earn their spot. The only forced change is Johnson and the only player that should possibly make way is Aspas, although I would keep him in there, don't change a winning team.
I don't think you should underestimate the influence of a defensive mid in modern football. I think Lucas plays an essential role in our team and I believe no one else can play it. Gerrard can't be the DM, neither can Henderson, Allen doesn't offer much in my eyes either. Lucas is a rock in front of the back four and Lucas+Gerrard+Henderson is an effective midfield unit and that has been proven many times.
ReplyDeleteEspecially if Hendo is dumped for more attacking players, if Lucas is not in there somewhere it would turn into a disaster.
I'd like to see Henderson start to pressure Gerrard for that starting spot in midfield. But I think that he's more likely to be replacing Coutinho in certain games, for now, maybe in away performances where we aren't likely to dominate possession... like tomorrow...
ReplyDeleteI'd agree that Lucas out of the team weakens our defence, but i definately don't think it would in any way weaken our attack. Yes Lucas, for a defencively minded player does provide better balls than your avg defensive mid, i have no doubt if we deployed Gerrad in that role, the pass accuracy, forward passes played, assists and goal return would definately improve from that position on the pitch. I also think Hendersons overall attacking game would benefit and improve from being given the responsibilty of being the main driving force in midfield.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me to be a balancing act between the detriment to defence, and the value added to attack. So far this year we have looked solid defencively, but maybe a little stale up front.
Im not saying we play like this against city utd etc, but if we are serious top4, then for me the choice between playing a player who may prevent a goal, or one who might contribute more to getting one, when we are playing mid division teams, well its an easy one. We have to start expecting to beat these teams, and set up our team to do so.
If I was king of the lineup, I would start
ReplyDeleteSturridge. Moses
Ibe. Coutinho. Henderson
Gerrard. Lucas
Enrique. Sakho. Agger. Kelly. or. Wisdom
Subs Aspas for Henderson if more attack needed late on. Lets get those young, sniper, quick legs in there.....
So you'd play 12 players Ron? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'd prefer Hendo with the current form over Lucas in the current form because Hendo gives us the defensive abilities as well as an attacking threat too. Gerrard can play the role of Lucas' and Hendo can play of Gerrard's.
ReplyDeleteWould you start Moses? I think we should and I would prefer Ibe over Sterling for offense spark. What would you do to spark the offense?
ReplyDeleteREAD
ReplyDeleteRush Goalkeeper i see, might not work in todays game :-).
ReplyDeleteHopefully Coutinho will now occupy the number 10 role. Sturridge and Coutinho seem to have clicked from the word go. Rodgers has already said that Suarez will be moved out wide which is a good thing. We should not make him the vocal point again especially when he still wants to leave. We have Moses and Aspas who can also play as strikers.
ReplyDeleteRodgers has put together a very versatile attack!
Carragher does not seem to think that Rodgers will partner two left footed CB's. Not many teams do.
ReplyDeleteNo not yet. I'd get him as a sub in the second half for more attack if needed and I'd prefer Sterling over Ibe because he's better ATM.
ReplyDeleteAllen does not offer much? When it comes to winning possession and passing (which is vitally important to Rodgers) then there were hardly any players better than Allen lasts season before the news of his shoulder injury and fatherhood came to fore.
ReplyDeleteRodgers bought Allen because of the player understanding his style of play. Gerrard looked lost at times last season so Rodgers needed a player in midfield to try and keep things together which is exactly what Allen provided early on at the start of last season.
At the moment Lucas is one of our best players. All the footy critics are raving about him and he is nearly back to his best. I think that Henderson may be in line to take over from Gerrard but this is going to be a massive task...
ReplyDeleteAllen may be a decent passer of the ball but thats it in my opinion. He's no better at winning the ball back than any of our other mids. His main attribute is keeping the ball which is what Rodgers, initially, was all about. Not so much the case lately.
ReplyDeleteGerrard got 20 goals/assists combined last season, that doesn't seem lost to me.
According to EPL Index, Allen was one of the top midfielder in the EPL at the start of last season and that was playing as a defensive midfielder which he is not.
ReplyDeleteAllen has a major part to play in the starting eleven in years from now. Gerrard is the new Xabi Alonso under Rodgers. Unfortunately Allen will have to wait for Gerrard to make way before he can claim his regular spot in the team so for now Allen will be the known as the jack of all trades midfielder.
Lucas eventually made all his doubters blush, Allen will sooner or later do the same.
May not read this, but this is my first comment. You get a lot of grief on this site, but yours is one of two I follow now, as your opinion is usually well rounded and well written. Keep up the good work Jamie!
ReplyDeleteHenderson is more of a jack of all trades player than Allen.
ReplyDeleteFor as long as Rodgers is manager Allen will always have a chance. Although I hope you're right I just can't see Allen imposing himself enough on this team right now. Fans didn't excuse Henderson for being young or having a future role in the team so neither should Allen.
A few good games at the start of last season with an obvious bias in favour of him isn't enough to convince me yet.
your headlines are pathetic
ReplyDeleteI would have actually consider Sterling on left wing for the Swansea game, to start. They are pretty weak for speed on their defensive sides - especially the left [out left their right]. Mark my word. Hope Rogers in on that.
ReplyDeleteEvery game should be addressed differently in the opening XI matter, in my perspective. I wouldn't mind Henderson opening for Lucas in some occasions. Really intriguing to see how it will play.
Lucas is playing real well, but far from his best. His best was OUTSTANDING.
ReplyDeletereally no kidding though, he used to be something else . . . Good old times. . .
I wouldn't change this winning team at all. Sub Aspas after 60 min for Moses. Thats it
ReplyDeleteI agree totally. We have the squad now to set our team up to exploit the weaknesses or defend the strenghts of our opponents any given week, and i would love to see us set up more fearless against lower quality opposition. Sterling could be a good call on monday, as you're right they are a bit sluggish on the flanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm just delighted to be able to have these kind of debates with other fans these days as opposed to a year ago, when no matter what formation we wanted to play, the starting 11 were always the same, with no options
. Great progress since January window.
Opinion:
ReplyDeleteXI for Swansea that would play well:
Mignolet
Ilori, Agger/Skretel/Toure, Sakho, Henrique
Lucas, Gerrard
Coutinho
Moses, Sturridge, Sterling
p.s - I think highly of Henderson. also i defended his quality threw all his time in Liverpool. Is the first sub in my head for lot's of these spot's in formation; It just that i see this XI ripping Swansea apart.
Still can't figure out the CB's problem though. Maybe it'll come later. I lean towards Toure and Sakho - can't explain why exactly. Any thoughts?
I don't get the Suarez-Sturridge Problem. Last season they rotated real well, freely, and good understanding, and both scored and assisted goals. Plus, in no way the club should act in form of 'Suarez want's to leave so let's stick one to him somehow' . We should just make it so we win. I agree that Suarez is more effective on the wind than Sturridge, but also Sturridge has great abillity on the ball, holding it on right and left, making great creative passes, so i don't see no reason to stab a stick on this one. Let them guy's play rotation, they got the minds to do real well as we've seen last season.
ReplyDeleteHi Mavs - I read each and every comment posted. Thanks for the kind words, they're much appreciated :-)
ReplyDeleteYou read it Ian he has picked 11 outfield players there and no keeper
ReplyDeleteThanks Eagle :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope we're not going to see Gerrard playing every minute of every game - a legend though he is, he should be just as liable to be subbed/rotated when need be as anybody else is
ReplyDeleteYou're forgetting to factor injury lay offs, injury niggles, suspension and loss of form. Henderson will get enough starts, as will Allen.
ReplyDeleteLike yourself i think Swansea are there to be got at. I do think they will notch against us, and so i'd like to see a bit more of an agressive edge to our play. But thats just my preference and im not going to be concerned whatever the team sheet says at 7.30. I would just like some more goals from the team, i'm getting greedy now.
ReplyDeleteThe CB issue i think an alternation between Agger Toure and Sakho for the next few games would be my choice. I realise that alternating CBs is not ideal. But my feeling is that though Toure has been quality, i do think the game time will catch up with him at some point in the season. I would prefer Sahko to be eased in forsome of the so called easier games, to give him some understanding with the other CBs. But long term I i see Toure/Sahko or if Toure is fatigued, Agger Sahko. I dont really buy this two left foot arguement. If a professional footballer IMO has no excuse for not being confident on both feet.
Niall, I didn't think anything would ever get you to move your right from its normal position.
ReplyDeleteWhat's that supposed to mean exactly?
ReplyDeleteI would start Alberto any day befor Allen.....he accomplishes nothing on the field.....
ReplyDeleteIf Henderson is struggling for a spot in the team, why are we talking about missing out on Eriksen? Eriksen would be pushing for that same role, he would just be another player to add to this mix, so where would he play? Seems like a fairly inconsistent analysis across the two articles in that regard.
ReplyDeleteHow they lineup is Rodgers headache but Henderson better be in there. I watched the Man U match again on Saturday morning and the more I watch it, the less do I understand why a replacement for Lucas has not been brought in. Poor passing, followed up by fouls in a dangerous position. The man just isn't a defensive or holding midfielder. Maybe BR should give Sakho a try there. His ball distribution can't be much worse than that of Lucas from midfield but at least he can defend better.
ReplyDelete