Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been below par in the Premier League this season, and there are concerns about his form and long-term place in this team.
However, the solution to reigniting Henderson’s spark may be closer than Liverpool fans think in the shape of Jude Bellingham, the England star is reportedly a target for Liverpool, and there’s reason to believe he can help Henderson get back to his best.
Bellingham has been a revelation over in Germany, impressing with his composure, passing range, and ability to break up play.
He has also shown a maturity beyond his years and a work ethic that would fit well with Liverpool’s high-intensity playing style. With his all-round game, Bellingham could provide the energy, creativity, and work-rate that Liverpool need in midfield.
Sadly, Henderson hasn’t been able to play at his best lately, as he’s working in a midfield trio that is completely broken. Fabinho’s legs seem to have gone, while Thiago Alcantara has never been the most mobile of players. This has led to Henderson trying to play in almost three positions at once, and it just isn’t working.
Bellingham could be the ideal player to help Henderson regain his form.
The two players have already formed a fantastic understanding at the international level, with Bellingham complementing Henderson’s leadership and experience with his youthful energy and technical skills. In fact, it was at the World Cup that Henderson shone the most, largely due to the presence of Bellingham in midfield.
Indeed, Henderson looked reborn in Qatar over the winter. He was described as ‘immaculate’ during the tournament by Steven Gerrard, and he was arguably Man of the Match in each of the games he played – and that’s at least partially down to the presence of Bellingham.
Bellingham could also help to cover for Henderson’s weaknesses at the moment, such as his occasional lack of mobility, Bellingham can do his running for him, and allow Henderson to focus his energy on a much smaller area of the pitch – Henderson is usually at his best when operating in the right-hand channel providing service to Mo Salah and protecting Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The prospect of Bellingham joining Liverpool this summer is an exciting one. The young midfielder has all the attributes to become a top player in the future, and with his partnership with Henderson already established at the international level, he could be the perfect player to help Liverpool’s captain rediscover his best form and enjoy one final resurgence at Anfield and go out on a high.
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