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John Aldridge says Jurgen Klopp should play £20m Liverpool midfielder in defence

Will Butcher

Thu 12 November 2020 10:15, UK

John Aldridge has told Sky Sports News (Thursday, 9.15am) that he believes Jurgen Klopp should use Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson at centre-back – after Joe Gomez suffered a potentially long-term knee injury.

Liverpool already have somewhat of a crisis at centre-back. Virgil van Dijk has been ruled out for the majority of the campaign, while the Reds failed to replace the loss of Dejan Lovren. Fabinho is out with a hamstring injury.

Joel Matip only returned from injury to make his first appearance of the season against Manchester City, partnering Gomez. But the England ace has now suffered a knee injury in England training – rumours claim it is a bad one.

Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Gomez was in a considerable amount of pain – and such an injury leaves Liverpool with just Matip and rookies Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips. But Aldridge thinks Henderson can do a job.

“It’s a big dilemma for Jurgen,” Aldridge said, when asked who should face Leicester next time out. “Personally, I would go with Jordan Henderson. The manager knows better, the young players have never let him down.”

TBR’s view – Henderson a good option at centre-back

Liverpool fans will remember that Henderson played in the middle of the defence against Monterrey in the Club World Cup. Under Klopp, defenders need to be good on the ball, but also strong and determined.

Henderson has all the traits required to be a Klopp signing. If Gomez is out for a considerable amount of time, Liverpool should look to their £20million captain – over Williams or Phillips.