Why Jordan Henderson’s position at Liverpool is in danger
Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana recently made it to the starting line-up after making an outstanding substitute appearance and scoring a late equalizer to keep the Reds unbeaten this season.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another versatile star, who played the most important role as Andrew Robertson supplied a cross against their deadly rivals Manchester United. Oxlade-Chamberlain tired Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s legs, allowing Robertson to make his runs freely.
Both players have put up displays that warrant a starting role. And this is where Jurgen Klopp will have to think and make changes to the regular playing XI. Their captain Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, would be in trouble if that happens.
Henderson, who currently earns £120,000-a-week, has featured in all but one Premier League game this season. He has made six starts and two substitute appearances, playing a total of 479 minutes. He is 29 and clearly doesn’t have the pace or stamina to match that of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
Lallana, on the other hand, has made just four league appearances this season with no starts. He has played a total of 30 minutes in those matches, with more than half of those coming in the game against United.
Although Lallana is two years older than Henderson, he evidently still has the pace and creativity to work around the midfield.
Furthermore, Oxlade-Chamberlain is clearly an asset for Liverpool and despite sitting out for a majority of the last season, he has the pace to lead Liverpool in counter-attacks. He has featured in six league games this season, with two starts. With 225 minutes in those games, he has proven his worth on the pitch.
Both Oxlade-Chamberlain and Henderson have their contracts with the Reds until 2023 but Lallana is in his last year. Thus, he must utilize each minute he gets to force his way back into the regular line-up.
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Liverpool have the option to extend Lallana’s contract by one year and if he continues to produce such performances in the next two or three games, Klopp will have to reconsider his options available in the midfield.