Liverpool deserve a lot of credit for sticking with Jurgen Klopp’s principle of keeping the core of the team and not making any major signings in the recently concluded summer transfer window in England. They already boast a strong team that is capable of challenging for the Premier League this season.
But, their immense success could also pave the way for the demise of one of their most trusted individuals – Jordan Henderson. And in this article, we will discuss the key reasons as to why the ex-Sunderland star might lose his importance in the Liverpool first-team within the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
The emergence of Fabinho
Fabinho was almost scrapped out of Liverpool’s long-term plans after his miserable start to his career at Anfield. But, the Brazilian international has repaid Klopp’s faith and has become a mainstay in the Liverpool midfield. And even though the German mastermind has somehow managed to include both Fabinho and Henderson in the same lineup on many occasions, it may not continue for a long time.
Liverpool, being an attack-oriented team, cannot afford to start with both Fabinho and Henderson, especially when the latter doesn’t provide any efficiency during attacking phases. And that’s where Fabinho comes out on top as he can thread useful balls in behind the defence while his overall passing is significantly better compared to his English counterpart. He is also much more composed on the ball.
Henderson is less suited to possession-based game
One of Klopp’s biggest wrongdoings during his time at Dortmund was that the German failed to integrate into his team a more possession-based football as opponents intentionally held back and let them enjoy the lion’s share of possession.
Fortunately for Liverpool, they have a bunch of technically astute footballer that will prevent them from being ineffective in the possession-oriented system. But, it’s probably fair to say that Henderson is the least technically gifted one among the current crop of Liverpool midfielders; thus, he is less suited to this kind of football.
Therefore, it won’t be surprising to see Henderson slowly being phased out of the Liverpool starting lineup within the course of this campaign.
Naby Keita could make a breakthrough
Naby Keita’s struggles at Liverpool have already been well documented. The ex-RB Leipzig star has failed to live up to his expectations since arriving at the club last summer, featuring in only 1,393 minutes of league football in his debut campaign in England.
Injuries have been the main reason behind Keita’s demise, with the midfielder suffering three different types of injuries last season. However, he is now back in full fitness and could become a key part of the Liverpool’s midfield unit this season.
Keita could be an ideal fit alongside Georginio Wijnaldum in Klopp’s 4-3-3, with Fabinho operating as the holding midfielder. The Guinean has the aggression, tenacity as well as the technique that makes him an upgrade over Henderson. But, it remains to be seen whether or not he will able to perform to his potential this season.
