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Jordan Henderson isn’t being treated harshly, but another Liverpool man is

Tom Procter

Tue 9 April 2019 8:15, UK

Jordan Henderson has been treated ‘harshly’ recently by Jurgen Klopp, .

The Reds captain was left on the bench against Southampton last week, but came on at 1-1 to inspire his side to a vital 3-1 victory.

In the eyes of Crooks, the £20 million signing from Sunderland () should have started against the Saints.

Klopp launched an empassioned defence of his skipper when the notion was put to him, claiming he could write a 500-page book about the midfielder, and that he has had a difficult job replacing Steven Gerrard ().

Arguably though Crooks’ suggestion is wide of the mark, with one first-teamer in a much more frustrating position.

TBR’s view

Henderson’s fellow midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri has become something of a forgotten man in recent weeks at Anfield.

The 2018 summer signing from Stoke City began the season in great form but has faded badly thanks largely to a lack of playing opportunities.

The turning point ironically seemed to occur after his brilliant brace against Manchester United back in December – since then, he has made just eight league appearances.

Shaqiri’s early season form was clear evidence that he has a lot to offer in the attacking midfield areas, and goals from midfield have been few and far between for the Reds this season.

With 21 Premier League appearances and none in the last six gameweeks, the Switzerland ace is definitely being treated more harshly than Henderson, who has 27 and a further six in the ChampionsLeague compared to Shaqiri’s three.

The form of Fabinho makes it understandable why Henderson is no longer a guaranteed starter. What isn’t understandable is Klopp’s total reluctance to use a player of Shaqiri’s quality when Liverpool have recently been trying to find important breakthroughs.