After missing virtually all of the 2015/16 season to date with a combination of a heel problem followed by a broken foot sustained in training, Jordan Henderson has hardly had the opportunity to play as the new captain of Liverpool. With his long-awaited return imminent, Jurgen Klopp will have to reshuffle his midfield options to accommodate Henderson. Klopp has already confirmed that there was no doubt about keeping Henderson as club captain, and his place in the starting lineup, when fully fit, is a certainty. The question is, who does he replace?
Source: liverpoolfc.com
So far under Jurgen Klopp, we’ve seen Liverpool play either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-2-1 system, with the former arguably the most effective. The 4-2-3-1 has been used with Lucas and Emre Can as a double pivot in front of the back four, with Milner shifted out wide on the right, although more recently Jordon Ibe’s return to form has seen him occupy this role. In the 4-3-2-1 system, Lucas has played as the orthodox defensive midfielder, with Can and Milner performing more energetic roles on either side, shuttling out wide to counteract opposition wingers and break forward in support of attack.
Since Klopp’s arrival, Lucas has been one of Liverpool’s best and most consistent performers. Under Rodgers, his role was uncertain and he was regularly left out of the side with Liverpool playing without a recognised holding midfielder. Under Klopp, Lucas looks rejuvenated. He is being treated like the senior, experienced player he is and his role in the side has become integral over the past month. It is therefore impossible to imagine Klopp dropping Lucas to accommodate Henderson’s return. Either Emre Can or Milner will have to make way.
Since his summer arrival, Milner has largely disappointed. Despite his reputation for professionalism, work rate and reliability, his performances have been sub-par too often this season, displaying a lack of quality on the ball and a tendency to give away fouls too easily. Although Rodgers guaranteed Milner a starting role in central midfield, he has by no means showed that he deserves such security in a position where he looks far from assured at this level. Emre Can is clearly a young player of great talent and powerful physique, but questions remain over his suitability in midfield. He has a tendency to be rash in the challenge and lose possession carelessly. On his day, however, as seen against Spurs in Klopp’s first game, he can be a terrific player. Still only 21, he must add consistency to his undoubted ability. Personally, I would favour dropping Milner and retaining Can, as the German has much more potential and is a genuine midfield powerhouse when on form. I would rather see Milner used as a utility squad player and impact sub, able to fill in wherever he may be needed. Of course, with the heavy fixture list, there will still be opportunities for him to start.
With that in mind, this leaves several options regarding Henderson’s return, assuming Klopp continues with the same systems (we cannot assume he will switch to a two-striker formation with Sturridge’s injury record). In a 4-2-3-1 system, Henderson could operate as part of the double pivot alongside Lucas, although this would leave no place for Emre Can. Henderson plays best with the freedom to run box-to-box, and Lucas’ positional discipline could allow him to do this, although as part of a two man midfield Henderson would have to shoulder significant defensive responsibility. This system would also allow Milner to play on the right, where his work rate would help provide cover in wide areas. Another possibility, if Klopp were to choose Emre Can and Lucas as his midfield pairing, would be to deploy Henderson on the right, where his athleticism and delivery could be put to good use. I wouldn’t personally use Henderson out wide, however, as his influence is needed in the middle and it would be a waste of his qualities to play him out of position, despite his versatility.
In a 4-3-2-1 formation, Henderson would be ideally suited to one of the central midfield roles either side of Lucas, allowing him to burst forward and join the attack, and to use his boundless energy to close down the spaces out wide. Either Can or Milner could fill the extra midfield role, or even Coutinho potentially against weaker opposition when less defensive balance is needed. In terms of the overall team dynamic, the 4-2-3-1 system is most favourable, allowing the interchanging trio of Lallana (or Ibe), Firmino and Coutinho to create opportunities for the lone striker. Henderson’s individual attributes are probably best utilised in a 4-3-2-1 system where he is less restricted in terms of his defensive duties, but alongside Lucas he could still function effectively in the 4-2-3-1 system. Whichever formation Klopp pursues in the long run, Henderson’s return will be a massive boost for Liverpool. His range of passing, tireless work rate and set piece delivery will improve the quality of our midfield, whilst in the absence of the injured Sakho, the return of the captain will also bring a much needed figure of leadership and authority.
Red Regista
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