Brazilian Enforcer vs Welsh Passer – Who Should Replace Henderson In Liverpool Squad For Upcoming Games?

Liverpool have to search for an alternative option in place of Jordan Henderson when the team takes the field against Norwich on Sunday. Being served a red card in the 93^rd minute of the game is never easy, more so if the team is in the championship race and each match is to be counted as a finale.

But manager Brendan Rodgers has to find an alternative to partner captain Steven Gerrard in the centre of the pitch in the next few matches. the two names that come to mind at the first instance are of Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva.

Till last season it was almost unthinkable that Liverpool would do well without the services of Brazilian Lucas Leiva, who has been like a pillar in the midfield for sometime now. But things have changed this term, with Rodgers dropping Lucas in several instances and his injury not helping the cause either.

Joe Allen started the season mostly on the bench, making very few rare appearances, but of late has been in action for the club in some of the occasions and has done decently when given an opportunity. Now the manager has to pick any one of them in the starting eleven when Liverpool takes the field next time.

Firstly, with the attacking line up set up and firing well, Liverpool would look for defensive stability from anyone who starts and the manager’s preference could depend on the defensive rigidity of either of the players.

Joe Allen was brought to the side by Rodgers last summer as his signature signing after the player did well under him at Swansea and it was expected that Allen would have an immediate impact. But sadly that has not been the case and it has not been till very recently that Allen has been showing the glimpse of his talent.

He has moved ahead whenever he has got the opportunity, moved into the box and been in wonderful scoring positions. Allen has also not shied away from coming down and helping the defenders when needed and his lack of physicality has been made up with his knack of working hard.

lucas leiva

Lucas, on the other hand, has hardly played any major role in the second half of the season. This has made it difficult to judge his current form and come to any conclusion, but it must not be forgotten that he is one of the most senior members of the squad with wealth of experience behind him.

Lucas is known for his passing and the 91% pass accuracy that he has registered till now validates of that fact. Lucas has also done 5 defensive actions on an average in each match and that has also earned him a booking at times. But it is this quality that made him such a vital player for the club for so long and if he is able to exploit these once again, then Liverpool would not miss Henderson as much as.

But whoever plays the match should be at the top of his game and give his best for the club. Liverpool cannot afford a slip up now, being so close to the glory.