Jordan Henderson could well have improved Liverpool’s chances of winning the league had he not been suspended.
Jordan Henderson has been one of Liverpool’s most important players this season.
The midfielder is arguably the most versatile and disciplined member of Brendan Rodgers’ first team squad and a player who Liverpool missed when he picked up a suspension and was ruled out of games against Norwich City, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
| Match | Matchday | Outfielder Block | Interception | Total Tackle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Norwich vs Liverpool | 35 | 6 | 17 | 36 |
| Liverpool | Liverpool vs Chelsea | 36 | 4 | 5 | 23 |
| Liverpool | Crystal Palace vs Liverpool | 37 | 1 | 11 | 16 |
Against Norwich City, Liverpool managed to sneak over the winning line thanks to the talent of Raheem Sterling who found his goalscoring boots at a vital moment for the Merseysiders, even if one of his goals was a bit fortuitous.
Against Chelsea, Liverpool struggled in two areas which are two of Henderson’s strongest areas; outfield blocking and interceptions, with just four in each area.
Only three players have made more blocks against outfield players so far this season at Liverpool than Henderson, which is a tribute to his timing and position around Liverpool’s defence when he drops off to protect the back four.
| Club | Pos | Outfielder Block | Interception | Total Tackle | Apps | Mins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Skrtel | Liverpool | DF | 37 | 59 | 48 | 35 | 3,132 |
| Steven Gerrard | Liverpool | MF | 15 | 47 | 93 | 33 | 2,810 |
| Kolo Touré | Liverpool | DF | 13 | 15 | 33 | 20 | 1,439 |
| Jordan Henderson | Liverpool | MF | 9 | 33 | 81 | 34 | 3,038 |
| Lucas Leiva | Liverpool | MF | 9 | 50 | 88 | 26 | 1,862 |
He’s also been competitive this season in terms of interceptions with 33, which puts him ahead of the likes of Kolo Toure and Daniel Agger, out and out defensive players.
He reads the game well and had Liverpool had him available against Chelsea, he could have helped increase blocks and particularly interceptions, which would have helped the Reds keep the pressure up on the Blues.
Against Palace last Monday he could also have made a difference in terms of outfield blocks, interceptions and particularly tackling.
Only two players have made more tackles this season in Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva and Henderson would have added real presence in the Liverpool midfield, helping his side close out a three goal lead.
As it turned out, defensive fragility cost the side badly but Henderson has proved to be successful this season in terms of getting stuck in and breaking up the play.
Fingers crossed he can have a big impact on the last day of the season against Newcastle United.
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