Liverpool have had a torrid week, especially by their recent high standards. A Premier League defeat at Watford was followed by defeat at Chelsea in the FA Cup. One man missing from both of these defeats was captain Jordan Henderson. The England star limped off during the Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid and has been out since. Henderson has been a huge miss and the Reds will be hoping he returns soon. Their second leg against Atletico is soon, and they will want their captain on the field.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson: The Heartbeat of the Reds Team
Stats Shows Henderson’s Importance
Liverpool have played 46 games in all competitions so far this season. The games where Jordan Henderson has been in the heart of the Reds midfield has proved to be far more successful than when he is missing.
Of those 46 games, the former Sunderland star has played in 34. These games have seen the Reds victorious in 28 of them. Just two have ended in defeat. It gives the England man an 82.40% win rate. Without him in the side, that win rate drops to 58.30%.
Alarmingly, Liverpool concede more goals when their captain is absent. They average almost two goals a game against when he doesn’t play compared to 0.7 goals when he does.
Don’t Know What You Have Until It’s Missing
Henderson’s absence has certainly been felt at Liverpool of late. Their performances and results have suffered remarkably. Reds fans will be relieved that they have such a huge lead at the top of the Premier League. However, the chance of completing a league and cup double is now over due to their defeat at Chelsea. A Champions League second leg is on the horizon and Liverpool will be hoping their captain is back.
Jordan Henderson may not yet be a name associated with the greats at Anfield; however, his contribution to the team can not be questioned. He is undoubtedly the heartbeat of the team and is sorely missed when not on the pitch.
Deserved Praise Coming From All for Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson
Many within the game are praising the contributions and abilities that he brings to Liverpool’s team.
Former Reds captain Phil Thompson said:
“The last two games have shown the importance of Jordan Henderson to this side. Not only what he brings as a midfield player, but he would have been demanding a lot more from the players on the pitch.”
Speaking ahead of Bournemouth’s clash with Liverpool, manager Eddie Howe had nothing but praise for the midfielder:
“First and foremost I think his leadership qualities are second to none. I think you can see – and I’m only an outsider looking in – a definite passion inside of him, leadership qualities that every team needs.”
A tweet from Gary Lineker, the former England striker and now Match of the Day presenter could get the ball rolling for Henderson to win an award this season.
“There’s every chance that @JHenderson’s injury could well clinch him the Footballer of the Year trophy. Sometime’s you don’t realise a player’s importance to a side until they’re absent.”
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