Eddie Howe told Premier League Productions that Jordan Henderson found life tough at centre-back during Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton last night.
In Liverpool’s previous game, Nat Phillips played alongside Fabinho at the heart of his side’s defence.
But Jurgen Klopp opted to put Henderson alongside Fabinho yesterday, with perhaps an eye on Southampton’s quick and high-pressing forward line.
Former Bournemouth boss, Howe, who likes his centre-back’s playing out from the back, shared that there were a number of moments in the first half where Henderson didn’t get things quite right.
“I think that’s the key thing that he’s not a natural centre-half,” said Howe. “He would be the first to admit that. I think what he has tried to do is play with a really good attitude and he’s giving his best.
“You just see the body shape isn’t quite right. And as we said before the game, he hasn’t got any experience [playing as a CB], but he has next to him to help him in these situations.
“It highlights a couple of moments there where Henderson hasn’t quite got it right.”
Liverpool take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday night and it would be a pretty brave move by Klopp to play the same backline.
The Reds conceded seven the last time they played Dean Smith’s men, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt, if they do at all.
There’s no doubt that Liverpool want a sense of revenge for that heavy defeat, so it will be interesting to see how things pan out on the night.
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