Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson looks to be thriving after Jurgen Klopp moved him into a deeper role in a 4-3-3.
“I see him every day in training so if I was doubting him then he would not be here. I have no doubt,” Klopp said of Henderson in August.
“It is about decision making, not to too often make the special things, just more what you need to do rather than what you want to do.”
Moulding Liverpool’s captain into the holding midfielder in his new-look 4-3-3 formation, Klopp took a bold step for 2016/17, but it looks to be paying off so far.
As the central hub within the Reds’ midfield system, Henderson has seen his involvement increase significantly from previous seasons.
According to statistics from Oulala, Henderson has been more efficient both on and off the ball, excelling as a creator and a defender.
The 26-year-old has averaged 65 successful passes per Premier League game so far this season, at least 15 more than in any of his previous four campaigns with the Reds, with his second-highest (50) coming in 2013/14.
He has also been more accurate with his passes, finding a team-mate 88 percent of the time, with his closest again coming in 2013/14 (87%).
Averaging 2.4 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, Henderson’s combined defensive output (3.8) is at least one higher, averaging 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game in both 2014/15 and 2015/16.
Moving forward from his deep-lying role, Henderson has also averaged more take-ons (0.6) per game than in the last four seasons, with a 100 percent completion rate.
It remains early days for the former Sunderland youngster, however, with the small sample size aiding his cause this season.
But improving consistently in his new role, Henderson looks to be finding his feet again on Merseyside, having suffered with injuries in the previous campaign.
Henderson could be challenged for a starting role by the returning Emre Can, but has certainly impressed in the German’s stead so far.
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