Jordan Henderson (Liverpool -> Al-Ettifaq (5 months) -> Ajax)

With Lucas back and hopefully Lovren, I would love to see Hendo playing in his natural role.

Centre midfield in the Sunderland staring XI?

Only way Lucas gets a game in midfield is if injuries mean there is no other option.

He just doesn't have the legs anymore and more so in a Klopp midfield where attack is our first priority.

People do understand that Klopp doesn't play a traditional type of DM don't they?

If some insist on sticking a label on Henderson, his role under Klopp is that of a cross between a DLPM and traditional box to box midfielder.
The midfield 3 is staggered rather than flat, with the 3 players pushing further up as attacks progress, Lallana being the one who gets forwards first, with Henderson last.

People do understand that Klopp doesn't play a traditional type of DM don't they?

If some insist on sticking a label on Henderson, his role under Klopp is that of a cross between a DLPM and traditional box to box midfielder.
The midfield 3 is staggered rather than flat, with the 3 players pushing further up as attacks progress, Lallana being the one who gets forwards first, with Henderson last.

A cross between DLPM and traditional box-box role? Hendo is a box-box playing in the #6 role, it's as simple as that. His passing isn't up to scratch as a DM let alone a DLPM. Watch some of the DM/DLPM's at the top clubs (City, Chelsea, Madrid, Bayern etc) and you will find that their roles are similar to what we have seen of Hendo this season, but the difference is, they are specialists in that position and better players.

I get that Klopp likes his #6's to press a bit more, but as I mentioned, a lot of DM/DLPM's do that these days. No matter how you spin it, they will always be the most defensive player in midfielder, so predominately, I think a specialist would be best there. I just feel Lucas is still our best DM and he is more than capable of playing in that role for Klopp, especially when we haven't any European commitments.

A cross between DLPM and traditional box-box role? Hendo is a box-box playing in the #6 role, it's as simple as that. His passing isn't up to scratch as a DM let alone a DLPM. Watch some of the DM/DLPM's at the top clubs (City, Chelsea, Madrid, Bayern etc) and you will find that their roles are similar to what we have seen of Hendo this season, but the difference is, they are specialists in that position and better players.

I get that Klopp likes his #6's to press a bit more, but as I mentioned, a lot of DM/DLPM's do that these days. No matter how you spin it, they will always be the most defensive player in midfielder, so predominately, I think a specialist would be best there. I just feel Lucas is still our best DM and he is more than capable of playing in that role for Klopp, especially when we haven't any European commitments.

Klopp does not set out his teams with a DM, and never has.
Each midfielder is expected to both attack and defend.

Klopp does not set out his teams with a DM, and never has.

Never say never. Sebastian Kehl and Sven Bender are DMs that Klopp deployed many times in that position. But players like Gundogan and Sahin aren't DMs; they're more DLPMs. 

Never say never. Sebastian Kehl and Sven Bender are DMs that Klopp deployed many times in that position. But players like Gundogan and Sahin aren't DMs; they're more DLPMs.

Klopp doesn't impose roles on players, except in the loosest possible sense.
The midfield is expected to be not only dynamic, working as a unit and pressing, but also interchangeable, which is why sometimes you see Henderson starting from deep, and other times, leading the press.
If Lallana tracks behind Henderson (or Wijnaldum), you'll see them push up into his zone and do the job of ball carrier or front presser.
The key to any Klopp midfield, and attack, is fluidity rather than pre-defined roles, with each player expected to know how and when to interchange.

This idea of rigid roles is one that came with Rafa, and Klopp is completely different in his approach.

Klopp does not set out his teams with a DM, and never has.
Each midfielder is expected to both attack and defend.

I am actually not sure about this, the games I have seen under Klopp, we tend to have that fixed #6, and the #6 is more of a DM. I just think Klopp likes his #6's to have that strong physique or athleticism so they can be more on the front foot and able to press with the other midfielders if necessary, something Lucas does lack and probably the reason why he prefer Can or Hendo.

Klopp doesn't impose roles on players, except in the loosest possible sense.
The midfield is expected to be not only dynamic, working as a unit and pressing, but also interchangeable, which is why sometimes you see Henderson starting from deep, and other times, leading the press.
If Lallana tracks behind Henderson (or Wijnaldum), you'll see them push up into his zone and do the job of ball carrier or front presser.
The key to any Klopp midfield, and attack, is fluidity rather than pre-defined roles, with each player expected to know how and when to interchange.

This idea of rigid roles is one that came with Rafa, and Klopp is completely different in his approach.

Spot on mate I think a lot of us loved the way Rafa had his midfield set up with their specific roles and probably thats how we see an ideal midfield.

Completely different from what Klopp wants from his midfielders but Im sure people will eventually see it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EKEu2Y7jUs

Take a look at Can's position, he is mostly a DM in that defensive midfield area, same goes with the Leicester game where Hendo is in a fixed position, it's the same in other matches we play too, they have their defined roles/fixed position in the defensive

It's not only Klopp's #6  that press with the other midfielders and on the odd occasion dribble out to relieve pressure or help attack out, other DM/DLPM's do it, just look at Kante, Kroos, Fernandinho etc, they all do it. It's the modern day #6's, they are asked to do a lot more than just defending now.

Only way Lucas gets a game in midfield is if injuries mean there is no other option.

He just doesn't have the legs anymore and more so in a Klopp midfield where attack is our first priority.

Neither does Can though mate, he has a little bit of speed once he gets to his top end pace but he is slow on the turn, often caught flat footed and isn't very quicker over the shorter distances. If Lucas plays regularly in our midfield there will be times where he is embarrassed BUT I'd have him in my midfield more often than not, he has by far the best defensive instincts of any of our midfielders and he is a leader on the pitch.

Neither does Can though mate, he has a little bit of speed once he gets to his top end pace but he is slow on the turn, often caught flat footed and isn't very quicker over the shorter distances. If Lucas plays regularly in our midfield there will be times where he is embarrassed BUT I'd have him in my midfield more often than not, he has by far the best defensive instincts of any of our midfielders and he is a leader on the pitch.

And knows how to spread the ball around. Great awareness on the ball of where his teammates are and who to pick out.

You can see it in the first goal on the weekend. Hendo points to the easy pass to Clyne and Lucas pings one out to Milner in space and two touches later we're 1-0 up.

Lucas is brilliant. If only he stayed fit.

Neither does Can though mate, he has a little bit of speed once he gets to his top end pace but he is slow on the turn, often caught flat footed and isn't very quicker over the shorter distances. If Lucas plays regularly in our midfield there will be times where he is embarrassed BUT I'd have him in my midfield more often than not, he has by far the best defensive instincts of any of our midfielders and he is a leader on the pitch.

I have a feeling Jürgen doesn't see Can in the same way you do.

I am actually not sure about this, the games I have seen under Klopp, we tend to have that fixed #6, and the #6 is more of a DM. I just think Klopp likes his #6's to have that strong physique or athleticism so they can be more on the front foot and able to press with the other midfielders if necessary, something Lucas does lack and probably the reason why he prefer Can or Hendo.

OK, I'm going to hate saying this due to the American Football/Rugby connotations, but we need to start thinking about that position not as a DM, but as a "first receiver" and someone who will make the room that allows the CB's to step out and up, which is vital in a 433, high pressing game.

All this fuss about a "real DM" is absolutely pointless, because Klopp doesn't set his teams up that way, Henderson is not playing that role, and even when Lucas plays there, he has played more as a 1st volante than a DM.

Neither does Can though mate, he has a little bit of speed once he gets to his top end pace but he is slow on the turn, often caught flat footed and isn't very quicker over the shorter distances. If Lucas plays regularly in our midfield there will be times where he is embarrassed BUT I'd have him in my midfield more often than not, he has by far the best defensive instincts of any of our midfielders and he is a leader on the pitch.

His slowness on the turn and lack of acceleration were pretty much down to him being a bit overweight when he joined us, and he seems to put on weight very easily.
Some of that will be down to his age of course.
However, when he's fully fit, he's a very strong runner, easily able to break the opposition line and bring the ball out.
He's a decent passer, but sometimes lacks a bit of concentration.

Anyone who thinks he will replace Henderson anytime soon though, is going to be disappointed.

I'm pretty sure Klopp didn't keep Henderson as Captain for shits and giggles.

Starting to hit some form, and what a cracking goal tonight.
Delighted for Jordan, put in captains shift tonight, keep it up lad.

Is F***ing right Hendo!

Can we please store these performances in our long term memory by the way! F***ing joke this is the 4th time he's had to win people over. Cannot believe the amount of people who discount the importance of playing injury free and match fitness. We're seeing Henderson play without the shackles he's had for the last year and (shock) he's performing as well as he was last time he was injury free and match fit, if not better.

Henderson is a very good player. End of.

Sensational Hendo lad!

Maybe he does have a future as our holding/defensive midfielder, but still think he's one hell of a player in the box-box role

Bashed him a few times, but he was F***ing immense last night, long may it continue !

Bashed him a few times, but he was F***ing immense last night, long may it continue !

Fair play to you George

What-a-goal!!

I've rated Hendo since his first season here.

Always appreciated how valuable it is to have a player with an engine like his, who wears the shirt with pride every time he steps out, and who clearly continues to improve as a player and leader season on season through sheer hard work and dedication.

He's not flashy and doesn't have a fancy sounding foreign name.

But I for one am happy he is captain of this club.