Liverpool vs Manchester United: 'I'd pick Jordan Henderson over Paul Pogba,' says Paul Merson

Merson would not select the world's most expensive footballer on current form

Paul Merson has claimed that he would rather have Jordan Henderson in his ranks than Paul Pogba based on current form.

The former Arsenal, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa midfielder was speaking ahead of Monday’s meeting between Henderson’s Liverpool and Pogba’s Manchester United at Anfield.

Merson, who works as a television pundit, believes Pogba, the world’s most expensive footballer, is not currently living up to the world-record £89m transfer fee.

Henderson, meanwhile, captains a Liverpool side that has started the season impressively and took the England armband for the first time in Tuesday’s 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw with Slovenia.

When asked which midfielder he would prefer to have in his side going into Monday’s game, Merson told Sky Sports: “Today, Jordan Henderson.

“Over the next 10 years, I don't know – it probably should be Pogba considering how much money they spent.

“Henderson has been as good as anybody in the Premier League. Credit where credit is due, he's been outstanding. Pogba has been struggling.”

Pogba swapped Juventus for United, the club which handed him his professional debut, following a protracted transfer saga in the summer.

The France international has scored once in eight club appearances since his return to Old Trafford and notched in his national side’s 1-0 victory over the Netherlands on Monday.

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Jordan Henderson says Phillippe Coutinho can be one of the world's best

The Brazilian was the standout performer in the Reds' 4-3 opening day defeat of Arsenal on Sunday.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates

Jordan Henderson has said his Liverpool teammate Philippe Coutinho has the talent to become one of the world's premier footballers, according to a report in the Liverpool Echo.

Coutinho produced a masterclass as his two goals helped the Reds to victory in a thriller of a game against Arsenal in their first game of the new Premier League campaign.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring their third goal with Nathaniel Clyne

The Brazilian has continuously shown glimpses of his ability since his move to Anfield in 2013, and has easily been one of the club's most consistent performers since then.

Reds captain Henderson praised the impact of his teammate over the past few campaigns, and has warned that he is not far off from joining the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez in world football's top table.

“Messi, Ronaldo and Suarez - they are seen as the elite players in world football,” Henderson told the Liverpool Echo.

“Philippe has certainly got the talent, the work ethic and the hunger to get into that bracket.

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson celebrates after the match

“He’s a fantastic player for us. I’ve seen him develop as a player during his time at Liverpool and he’s still only 24.

“If he continues to work as hard as he does and continues to develop like he has done then I’m sure he will be in that bracket before long. He’s still very young.

“Hopefully it won’t be long before people do regard him alongside the Messis of this world. We have to try to keep him fit and keep him playing like that because he was brilliant against Arsenal."

Liverpool will be relying on Coutinho to keep them in the hunt for honours throughout the new season, and his man of the match performance at the Emirates Stadium represents a great start towards this goal.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring their third goal

The Liverpool attack: Where will all the pieces fit?

With the addition of Sadio Mane, yet another player has been thrown into an already crowded mix of attacking talent at Anfield. With Jürgen Klopp starting his first full season as Liverpool manager, the burning question is simple: How will all the pieces fit in?

Last season, 10 different players made double-digit league starts for Liverpool in either the midfield or forward positions. So if you think the Reds have a lot of bodies up front after the recent signing of Sadio Mane, that’s probably why.

In part, the lack of attacking continuity was due to both injuries and the fact that Jürgen Klopp basically had a free year to throw different things at the wall and see what stuck, taking over midway through what had already felt like a lost season.

With 14 (by my count) players that could be in the mix for the six midfield and forward spots, let’s run down the Liverpool roster and try to make sense of what Klopp will do come Match Day 1.

Sadio Mane

We won’t spend too much time speculating on Mane, it’s been done plenty already. However, the signing makes plenty of sense  — and seemed to come at a reasonable price. In two years at Southampton, Mane was productive, healthy and showed excellent chemistry with Shane Long and Graziano Pelle. Also, this has to be the signing that confirms that the Saints are indeed Liverpool’s farm club. Right? 

Defensive Midfield

There’s a cloud of uncertainty that hangs over every single club heading into the season, and more often than not, experience tends to win out when it comes to the starting XI. Don’t be surprised to see Jordan Henderson and James Milner anchoring the midfield when the Reds visit Arsenal on Match Day 1.

Henderson, in particular, has deserved a lot of the criticism he’s gotten at Liverpool and as an English national, but it’d be shocking to not see him lead the team out of the tunnel on opening weekend. Milner, solid as ever, had a predictably steady first year at Anfield. He led the team with 11 league assists.

The other name to watch here is Emre Can. Just 22, the German has looked impressive through two years at Anfield and would seem a natural fit in the holding position. But even if the Milner/Henderson duo earn the starts, that doesn’t immediately relegate Can to the bench. After Nathaniel Clyne, the other three spots on the back line are shaky, and Can could slide into one of those as well.

Attacking Midfield

The No. 10 is always a great place to start the attacking midfield conversation, and that of course would be Philippe Coutinho, he of the spectacular goal(s). The two-time reigning Liverpool Player of the Year will no doubt continue to give goalkeepers nightmares from long-range.

Staying in Coutinho’s home country of Brazil, one of the wings figures to be occupied by Roberto Firmino, whose EPL debut season last year had to be a nice surprise for Liverpool fans. A relatively unheralded international, but a proven scorer in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, Firmino’s league stat line of 10 goals and seven assists was one of the biggest positives for the Reds.

Sticking with the ex-Southampton theme, Adam Lallana will likely get the first crack on the opposite wing. He may lack the directness of some of his teammates, but the English midfielder is a proven match-winner. In his final year with the Saints, Lallana scored nine league goals and made PFA Team of the Year. Liverpool is still awaiting that kind of production from him.

Striker

Daniel Sturridge may not be a natural as a true No. 9, and the 20-goal season that he posted as Luis Suarez’s sidekick in 2013-14 won’t happen again if he can’t stay healthy. Still, his scoring rate makes him undroppable. The last two seasons at Liverpool, the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 — one fact remains — Sturridge can score goals despite being on struggling teams.

He looked healthy in the Euros and now with a full offseason to prepare, it’s all set up for Sturridge to at least contend in what will be a wide open race for the Golden Boot.

Subbing In

Christian Benteke, Jordan Ibe and Divock Origi all made more appearances off the bench than in the starting XI in EPL action last season. With Ibe and Origi clearly still developing, Benteke becomes the most interesting name here. Though the Belgian had a chance to grab the striker’s role by the horns early last season and didn’t take it, nine league goals in his Liverpool debut season is hardly a bad return.

In four years as a Premier League regular, Benteke has played in over 100 games and has scored more than 50 goals. He’s productive. He’s also hardly a mystery. Benteke can be an effective sub for Liverpool because of his ability to absolutely punish weak CBs physically, something no player at the club can do quite as well. And if Klopp is lucky, he can also do this.

On the Way Out?

Joe Allen and Danny Ings are solid players, but they also seem the two most likely to be deemed surplus. Allen is currently thriving at the Euros as part of an inspiring Wales side, but last season, his 17 league appearances were the lowest total he’s had in four years at Anfield. He’s already been linked with West Bromwich Albion and his boyhood club, Swansea City.

It’d be an understatement to say Ings was unlucky under Klopp last year. In Klopp’s first training session, Ings suffered a torn ACL and missed all but the final game of the season. Reports have suggested that Klopp is a fan of Ings, but with so many clubs at the bottom half of the table that could benefit from his services, a loan for the right price would make a lot of sense.

For now though, we’ll say Allen is likely out and Ings remains in at Liverpool.

Jordan Henderson Season Review: Our Captain Will Return

The 2015-2016 season was supposed to be when Jordan Henderson fully came into his own as the leader of Liverpool football club. Steven Gerrard’s departure from Merseyside and Henderson’s subsequent naming as captain of the club after his tremendous 2014-2015 season set the stage for what should have been another step in his ascension on Merseyside. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a season to forget for the midfielder, as he was ravaged by injuries to his foot and knee that limited him to only 23 matches in all competitions. Despite Henderson’s diminished performances resulting from having to play through plantar fasciitis, the Englishman’s place at the club appears to be secure heading into Klopp’s first summer in charge. Henderson’s energetic pressing and leadership on the pitch have proven to be vital for the club. These qualities should ensure he is able to enter the preseason on stable footing, even if he is going to have to fight to retain his spot in the starting eleven.

After a stellar 2014-15 season, Henderson’s output dropped precipitously this season. The Englishman only recorded two goals and three assists over 23 appearances compared to seven goals and nine assists in 41 matches in 2014-15 (whoscored). Many of his peripheral statistics including passing accuracy, key passes per match, and chances created per match all declined. However, many of his defensive numbers were similar or better to his strong season the year before. This domestic campaign, Henderson averaged 2.4 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, and only 0.6 fouls per match (whoscored). Last year, despite playing 19 more premier league fixtures, Henderson only recorded 2.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, and 0.9 fouls conceded per match (whoscored). This suggests that despite his physical limitations that plagued him throughout the year, Henderson was still effective breaking up play in the midfield. Mainly deployed under Klopp in the double pivot as a part of the German’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system, Henderson’s ability to contribute defensively is extremely important. His presumed partner in the pivot for next season, Emre Can, is known to make bursting runs into the attacking third, making it all the more important that Henderson is tactically aware of this and is able to stay back and protect in case of a counter attack. Henderson and Can happen to be relatively similar players, so Henderson’s defensive expectations are likely the same as they will be for his midfield partner. With that said, the Englishman has the ability to be a true box to box player, and even though his injuries diminished many aspects of his game, Henderson was able to show that he will always be a reliable and tactically aware player in midfield. Additionally, his defensive output is likely to only improve now that he has overcome the injuries that caused him so many issues this year. When Henderson is at his best, he is able to control the pace of the game through strong tackling in midfield and by making excellent runs to split open opposing defenses.

The attacking side of Henderson’s game is the area that was truly missing this season. His overall passing accuracy declined to an underwhelming 79.1% in the EPL this year compared to 82.4% a season ago (whoscored). He was also much less of a creative outlet as he generated only 1.1 chances per match whereas he created 1.8 chances per match the previous year (squawka). Henderson’s inability to contribute in the attacking third is likely a direct result of the foot injury that plagued him for over half the year. The Englishman was clearly a step behind the rest of his teammates for a majority of the season, and his ability to come bursting into the final third with his patented lung busting runs was nowhere to be found. When analyzing his performances this season, it is clear that his injuries prevented him from having the mobility to act as a true box to box midfielder. Instead, he often chose to play much deeper so as to not have to make the long recovery runs that are required of the box to box role. It is unfortunate that the injuries hampered his attacking creativity so dramatically this season as he had really begun to come into his own as an attacking threat from the midfield. Now that he has regained full fitness, it will be exciting to see J-Hendo reemerge as the superb all around midfielder that has been so effective over the past two seasons.

In the middle of the year, rumors were beginning to surface that Klopp was interested in offloading Henderson over questions regarding his desire to have to earn his place in the team. Klopp also made an interesting comment that some believed was referencing his captain, but now that time has gone by, it appears that Henderson is very much a part of the German’s plans for the next season. With Henderson’s tremendous fitness levels and well-rounded skillset, Klopp should be able to rely on the Englishman as a key member of the starting eleven. There will be fierce competition for spots in the center of the park, but Henderson has previously had to fight to earn a role at the club after nearly being sold at the beginning of Brendan Rodgers’ tenure. The Englishman is well aware of what it will take to be successful in Klopp’s demanding system, and the preseason will be an opportune time for him to show his tremendous character and work ethic that helped him become the captain of the club only a few years after being on the brink of a departure. Henderson is well equipped to handle the challenges that will be thrown his away as he has throughout his time at the club. As a result, there should be little doubt that he will be able to return to being one of the first names on the team sheet every week for the Reds.

Liverpool v Newcastle United: Klopp keeps pushing for improvement

Jurgen Klopp is adamant Liverpool are not on top of their game yet, while Vurnon Anita wants Newcastle United to build on recent results.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recognises his team still have room for improvement as they prepare to host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.

The German has overseen a marked upturn in form in the past couple of months as Liverpool have climbed into top-six contention, losing just one of their last nine top-flight matches.

Their previous three home games in all competitions have yielded 12 goals, with Merseyside rivals Everton thrashed 4-0 on Wednesday.

Yet Klopp feels there is more to come from his side, who are also through to the semi-finals of the Europa League.

"We are not only a pressing and counter-pressing team, we are a possession team too and it's a challenge to bring it all together. We will still work on it, it is not finished," he said.

"With the consistency now, we have been together longer, we have worked together. Now we are here with 54 points, that's not too bad with still 15 to get.

"Consistency comes with working together. I know in football the last thing everybody wants to do is wait for something, but it's the only way I know."

Klopp will have to make do without the services of Divock Origi (ankle), Martin Skrtel (groin), Emre Can (ankle), Jordan Henderson (knee), Christian Benteke (knee), Danny Ings (knee) and Joe Gomez (knee) due to injury.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will be hoping to build on their recent win over Swansea City and draw with Manchester City when they travel to a particularly unhappy hunting ground.

Not since the maiden Premier League season have Newcastle returned from Anfield with a win, a run of 20 league matches without success.

Rafael Benitez's men are firmly entrenched in a relegation battle, trailling 17th-placed Norwich City by two points with four games remaining.

Vurnon Anita was impressed with the displays in the last two matches and wants more of the same.

"It's an away game and we need to show we can do it away as well, with the same intensity and the fighting spirit," the Dutchman told nufcTV. 

"We just need to keep on going. We're not there yet, we know that. We need to take it step by step, game by game, and work hard like the last two games and it will come for us.

"We know that in the position we're in, we need to fight and we need to do it together and I think we showed it against City on Tuesday.

"I think it was a good team performance and we need to keep on going. The most important thing is to recover again and go for the game on Saturday."

Newcastle are still without injured goalkeepers Tim Krul and Rob Elliott (both knee), while Massadio Haidara (knee), Daryl Janmaat (groin) and Steven Taylor (muscular problem) are all unlikely to feature, too.

Key Opta Stats:

- Daniel Sturridge has netted six goals in six Premier League starts against Newcastle United.
- Newcastle have won just three of their last 30 Premier League away matches, losing the last nine in a row.
- James Milner has recorded 11 assists in 2016 in all competitions, three more than any other Premier League player.
- Newcastle have seen six players sent off in their last seven Premier League games against Liverpool and four in the last three trips to Anfield.
- Liverpool have won 17 and lost none of their last 20 Premier League matches against Newcastle at Anfield.

Sturridge: I'll help Origi and Can through mental rollercoaster injuries

The striker has suffered serious injuries over the years and is willing to help his team-mates as they look to deal with the physical and mental stress of being out of action

Injury-plagued Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge says he will be on hand to support Divock Origi, Emre Can and Jordan Henderson during their road back to fitness.

Sturridge is well acquainted with the frustration of being out of action after suffering problems throughout his career, including recurring hamstring issues and a long-running hip complaint.

His fellow striker Origi is expected to miss the rest of the season after sustaining suspected ankle ligament damage in the derby victory over Everton on Wednesday.

Emre Can is also out with an ankle ligament problem, while Jordan Henderson must try to recover from a knee injury in time to feature at Euro 2016.

And Sturridge is set to offer the trio his insight into coping with the psychological challenges they face during their rehabilitation.

"I always speak to the players who have had injuries," he said.

"I've had to deal with them and it is a mental rollercoaster having to deal with them, so I always try to give them a boost because there can be low points when you are injured and you feel alone and not part of things.

"Hopefully they all recover fast. Henderson, Emre, Divock have all done exceptional this season, so hopefully they will all be back before the end of the season."

Scans on Thursday cleared Origi of a suspected broken ankle following a heavy challenge from Ramiro Funes Mori, with manager Jurgen Klopp due to give an update on the Belgium international's situation at his media conference ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match at home to Newcastle on Saturday.

Jordan Henderson - Jurgen Klopp is to thank for Liverpool FC's new-found resilience

The 2-1 win over Crystal Palace was the 10th time this season Liverpool have come from behind to avoid defeat.

Jordan Henderson believes the resilience shown by Liverpool in their dramatic late win at Selhurst Park was the perfect example of Jurgen Klopp's impact at Anfield.

Christian Benteke's stoppage time penalty sealed a comeback 2-1 win for Klopp's side.

The Reds battled back against from a goal down with a man disadvantage, following the dismissal of James Milner, for the first time in their entire history.

The victory in South East London was the 10th time under Klopp Liverpool have come from behind to avoid defeat – and the fifth time they have gone on to win.

The club captain believes the never-say-die attitude can be attributed to the man in the dugout, citing the resilience Klopp has installed into the team.

“It was a tough game, especially in the first half when it was a battle,” Henderson toldLiverpoolfc.com.

“The second half didn’t start well and we conceded a goal, but from then I thought we grew in confidence, grew throughout the game and in the end I thought we deserved the three points with the chances we created.

“It shows that we never give up and we always go right until the end, which the manager has drummed into us.

“Since he’s come in, I think that’s been one of the big things for us, to keep going right until the end no matter what the circumstances are.

“I felt as though we did that, even when we went 1-0 down and down to 10 men, we kept going and we got better as the game went on with the ball.

“We were moving it quicker, created chances and, for me, we deserved to win.”

The victory handed the Reds three consecutive league wins for the first time this season, and puts them back into the conversation about finishing in the top four.

Henderson admits his side took the momentum of the 3-0 win over Manchester City in midweek into the game at Selhurst Park.

“It was a good performance from us in midweek and it gave us a lot of confidence,” he said.

“Coming here, we felt as though we could win the game.

“We knew it would be difficult, which it was at times, and we didn’t play some of our best stuff, but at times we played very well and managed to create some good chances.

“It was a good finish from Roberto and then we created the chance for the penalty.

“Overall, it’s a very good day and we can take a lot of confidence from it.”