Gerrard Says Liverpool Need to Give Henderson a Chance

After a seven goal, 15 assist 2014-15 season, Jordan Henderson looked ready to become Liverpool’s all-action, box-to-box answer in midfield following Steven Gerrard’s decampment to Los Angeles. Instead, he spent much of the 2015-16 season nursing a plantar fasciitis.

Injured for much of the campaign, when he was available, form and fitness were a struggle. Henderson rarely looked at his best, and with a new manager having taken over, a manager who only got to see the injured and struggling Henderson first-hand, fans began to openly question whether he still had a future at the club.

“I think we all need to get behind Jordan,” Steven Gerrard told The Anfield Wrap last night when asked about how he sees the player fitting in at Liverpool this season. “The manager, the staff, and the fans. He had a very difficult year last year with injuries—and I’ve been there when you’re injured and frustrated.

“It affects your confidence, and you’re desperate to get back. Other players come in and do well, people doubt you and say we should move on. I’ve heard it all. But if we get behind Henderson and he finds his top form he can be a very big asset for Klopp this year. I just want everyone to get behind him, give him that chance.”

Henderson will certainly be given the chance by Klopp, though the arrival of Gini Wijnaldum could complicate matters for the English midfielder if he doesn’t get off to a fast start. Still, on paper at least, central midfield is one of the areas this squad has less depth at, certainly when compared to the attacking bands.

“I feel good,” was Henderson’s take, with the midfielder promisingly free of pain and eager to get the new season under way. “I feel probably the best I have in a long time. So hopefully that can continue and I can have a good pre-season and get even fitter.”