LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 1, 2016: Liverpool's captain Jordan Henderson in action against Swansea City during the FA Premier League match at the Liberty Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Jordan Henderson’s “outstanding” attitude could see him fit for Man United – Klopp

Jurgen Klopp believes Jordan Henderson‘s steely mentality has seen him fight through pain to be in contention against Manchester United on Sunday.

Henderson has missed the last three games with a heel injury picked up in the Reds’ 1-0 win at home to Manchester City on New Year’s Eve, but has since returning to first-team training.

The captain’s absence has proved significant, with Liverpool having failed to win since Henderson was sidelined, drawing with Sunderland and Plymouth Argyle, and losing to Southampton.

Without Henderson in the No. 6 role, the likes of Emre Can, Kevin Stewart and Lucas Leiva have all struggled.

But expected to be back for Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford, Henderson will be a major asset to Klopp, as he explained at Melwood on Friday afternoon.

“He adapted unbelievably well to the position so for us he is very important; maybe we relied too much on him,” he told reporters.

“I don’t read what you write so if there is not enough credit for him do it. He can’t have any more credit in my eyes.

“I am completely fine and I love his attitude—it is outstanding. If he is available for the weekend it is only because of his attitude.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, December 27, 2016: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp and captain Jordan Henderson celebrate after the 4-1 victory over Stoke City during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Klopp’s testimony towards Henderson’s attitude is a revealing one, with the 26-year-old showcasing a mental resilience that is arguably rare in the modern game.

The German continued to detail the magnitude of the No. 14’s recovery, claiming his fortitude was close to unparalleled within the Liverpool squad.

“I don’t think a lot of players would be available for this. There will be still pain, 100 percent,” he added.

“But if anyone can cope with this it is him and maybe Clyney. For the rest it might be difficult.”

He expanded on this when speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, revealing he had earmarked Henderson as a top player before his appointment.

“I always knew his quality, even before I came to Liverpool,” he added.

“Of course you have to wait until you’ve worked with them to learn about the player’s character.

“The character of our English lads is outstanding. Outstanding.

“That is the most important thing if you can play football, and they obviously can.”

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments