Liverpool Might Not Need Henderson, But Klopp Does
In this social media era, finding polarising topics is an easy thing to do. Liverpool fans are quite adept at it: even the most menial of topics are routinely obsessed and fought over. Jordan Henderson, however, is quite an intense case.
To some, he is the underrated midfielder who ties Klopp’s plans together. To others, he is a waste of space who is getting by on the endorsement of his inheritance: he was Steven Gerrard’s replacement and hasn’t lived up …
Hendocalypse
On the back of a lacklustre performance off of the bench against Brighton, and a poor start against Leicester, the usually PR conscious back office staff at Liverpool Football Club decided to announce a contract extension for Jordan Henderson.
Okay, okay...
For most clubs, a contract extension for the team captain in the prime of his career, coming off of a Champions League final run would not be controversial in the least. Liverpool are not most clubs.
Jordan Henderson is …
Leicester 1-2 Liverpool: A Tactical Breakdown
After a series of games in which one team opened themselves up to be spatially exploited, and two decided to sit tight and deep, Leicester offered a new and different challenge to those Liverpool have already faced this season. Leicester were far more aggressive than previous opponents, but the game was largely characterised by a brief and effective period of Liverpool dominance, followed by a resolute, controlled defensive display to cap the remainder of the first half, and then an …
Gini Wijnaldum - Liverpool's New No.5
Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum. Seven midfielders, all of whom are justified in thinking themselves worthy of a starting position in the Liverpool line-up.
Had you asked many fans which of the above would be looking for a club over the summer, the betting would suggest Lallana and Wijnaldum? Not that they’re bad players, merely that Liverpool’s purchases have significantly improved the squad and it would be hard to see where …
x-Pected Improvement Following Klopp's Upgrade of the Spine
A mere 3 games into a highly anticipated new season and Liverpool sit atop the Premier League table. While it's still early days, with the integration of new players underway, it's extremely satisfying to see the club hit maximum points thus far. 9 points, zero goals conceded, firing at probably only 60-70% of our true level. Improvement is sure to follow as the season progresses.
Yet this is the Premier League. The toughest domestic competition in all of Europe, and quite possibly …
Liverpool Aim For Hot August
Believe it or not, we are now less than nine days away from the start of Liverpool’s 2018/19 season. The close of the transfer window is a week away. August 4th is expected to be the last warm-up for the starters as the Reds face Napoli in Dublin. They then face Torino on the 7th at Anfield in what should be a final run-out for squad players.
AND IT BEGINS
The season begins on Merseyside against West Ham on August …
Don't Let The Gini Go
Some footballers will dazzle you, some will amaze you, some will flatter to deceive. Then there’s the underappreciated footballer; the man who does the ugly side of the game with little recognition for his efforts.
Gini Wijnaldum falls into the latter category, quietly going about his business during his two years at the club, showing a plethora of composure and technique. Featuring in the squad for 52 of Liverpool’s 56 games last season, the midfielder made 40 starts alongside ten …
Jordan Henderson: Starter or Sub?
In the age of hot takes and constant critics, any player or team can divide opinion. So, when a player comes along who is given a central role at a big club but does not fit neatly into preconceived notions of what a star should do, then controversy instantly follows. Enter Jordan Henderson, Liverpool captain and England vice-captain. For experienced observers, Hendo’s game and quality aren’t that big of a mystery. For Liverpool fans, we know what he is at …
Jürgen Klopp's Midfield Minefield: Getting the Balance Right
Jürgen Klopp has a bit of a dilemma on his hands. And for once, it's not a bad one (well, at least not where his midfield is concerned).
The arrivals of Keita, Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Wijnaldum in the central midfield area, along with the stalwarts of Henderson and Milner have given the Reds boss a wealth of options in the middle of the park.
The two newest recruits of Keita and Fabinho have certainly got fans excited about what they …
Injuries are Liverpool’s Achilles Heel to Success
Liverpool came so desperately close to winning the Champions League last season but they suffered injuries at key times. Jurgen Klopp and his team had managed the minutes and playing time of the players exceptionally, but you couldn’t help feeling that a couple more quality squad players could have helped LFC over the line. Klopp’s insistence on waiting for the right player rather than buying someone he has no interest in, is, for the most part, admirable, but it can …