“We missed Henderson in midfield”: Liverpool journalist frustrated with recent performance

After Liverpool’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Southampton on Monday night, plenty of reaction has come about over the frustration with the loss and the difficulties the Reds squad and Jurgen Klopp are facing at the moment.

Plenty of pundits have given their thoughts on the game, including Liverpool journalist for The Atheltic, Caoimhe O’Neill, who stated about how Jordan Henderson’s starting position alongside Fabinho in defence had a lasting impact on the rest of the midfield and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s game on that right-hand side…

I found recording this week’s podcast with @Simon_Hughes__, @stevehothersall and @JamesPearceLFC very, very therapeutic.

Do listen in for your own slice of therapy as we talk defeat, a sluggish Christmas, transfers and more ⤵️

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— Caoimhe O'Neill (@CaoimheSport) January 5, 2021

You can listen to what O’Neill has to say above but she offers a very fair and concise point on one of the negative aspects of the game that played a hand in our performance against the Saints the other day.

“I just think Henderson playing in that centre-back role is sort of maybe a bit questionable now looking back, maybe one of the young lads of Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips could have coped more readily maybe – it wasn’t like Southampton were attacking constantly but obviously I think we really missed Henderson in midfield to add to that [area].”

It is a great point from O’Neill and one that I completely agree with – often is the case in games that Henderson’s role in that right-hand side of central midfield is as cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold when the youngster is on the attack but with the captain in that centre-back role and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in that role instead, the three just didn’t adapt well with the change of approach and tactics for the game and it ruined the usual rhythm that we expect to see from this Liverpool side.

What do you think Liverpool fans, do you agree with Caoimhe O’Neill’s point about Henderson? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…