3. Tactical flexibility
One of the key features of the Liverpool midfield has been the tactical flexibility that Rodgers expects from his players. Jordan Henderson has been deployed as the part of a conventional 2-man central midfield, has played in the more advanced role as well as playing out wide. Lucas was deployed in a more box-to-box role against Stoke and Joe Allen has been used as both a defensive as well as a box-to-box midfielder this season. Steven Gerrard to has had a change of role, and is still adapting to a much deeper role.
Bender on the other hand is comfortable playing any one of these- he started off as a defensive midfielder for 1860 Munich, and then molded the game to suit to the requirements of the team during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. He is equally adept at playing as a defensive or a box-to-box midfielder, and can also fill in at right back if the need arises. He can be easily played as the holding player along with Gerrard in a 4-4-2 formation or be used in the box-to-box role along with Lucas, or he can play almost any role—be it disciplined, box-to-box or roaming —as one of the midfield trio in a 4-3-1-2 formation that Rodgers may use.