Jordan Henderson 'let off the leash' at Liverpool, says Graeme Souness
The Liverpool captain is thriving in his new advanced midfield position
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Jordan Henderson has been ‘let off the leash’ from his advanced midfield position at Liverpool and is now playing some of his best football, according to Graeme Souness.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed greater license to push on under Jurgen Klopp in recent weeks, as seen in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Chelsea.
The Liverpool captain notably assisted Sadio Mane’s opener with a ball that Jamie Redknapp later described as “the sand wedge to get it to the back post”.
“He’s got great energy, he’s box-to-box and he’s now off the leash and he’ll be better for it,” Souness said on Sky Sports. “It’s definitely his best position. Jordan wants to be on the ball, involved and he’s got that athleticism.”
Klopp initially said Henderson was “not suited” to the advanced midfield role, but eventually handed him the chance to prove his point against Southampton.
In that game, the Liverpool captain came off the bench to seal his side’s 3-1 comeback against the hosts.
Redknapp believes Klopp deserves credit for experimenting with Henderson’s positioning.
“It’s not a case of Jurgen Klopp bowing to his captain and saying ‘wherever you want to play I’ll put you there,’” Redknapp said.
“Henderson was on the bench at Southampton and he was given his opportunity and took his opportunity and changed the game.
“He’s always had great energy and I think his ability with what we saw for the goal today — in the inside right channel — he can put a great cross in.
“He doesn’t get enough credit at times for his quality. That is a wonderful cross in front of the Kop. Without Jordan Henderson’s quality in the box it’s still 0-0.”
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