Jordan Henderson has reportedly agreed in principle to sign a new contract at Liverpool, according to The Athletic.
The 31-year-old’s Anfield future was originally in doubt after it was believed contract talks between the club and the Liverpool captain were “sensitive” and “complicated”.
However, Henderson now looks set to extend his stay at Anfield by agreeing to a guaranteed three-year deal, with an option for a fourth if he meets the required number of appearances.
The midfielder’s current deal ends in 2023 and the club – particularly manager Jürgen Klopp – did not want a repeat of the Georginio Wijnaldum drama from last season. An agreement could not be made with the Dutch international, which led him to leave for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.
Henderson’s agreement means he will join goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defenders Virgin van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold and fellow midfielder Fabinho in signing long-term contract extensions.
The original hesitancy behind the situation was said to be about Henderson’s role and the direction Fenway Sports Group want to take the club in. Klopp displayed the urgency of resolving the issue when he talked about the process before Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Norwich.
“Important but we will,” Klopp said.”We will sort it, however, it will be. But we will sort it, no doubt about that.”
With the matter all but sorted, Liverpool will now be hoping Henderson can once again play a pivotal role in leading the team to success after last season’s failures.
Henderson more than a leader
The uncertainty around his future stemmed from the Sunderland academy graduate understanding what type of player he will be for Liverpool in the coming years and if he was only going to be around Anfield for his leadership.
Much of the talk around Jordan Henderson is over how he has blossomed into a gifted leader. Naturally, it is a positive discussion, but Henderson knows what he is worth as a footballer who is tactfully deployed to dictate and harass the opposition.
The midfielder often drops deeper to collect the ball and give Liverpool control of possession in certain segments. Once achieved, he searches for the right pattern of play to break down the oppositions first lines of defence.
Henderson’s passing gives him the ability to move the ball forward into final third positions – an element that is less talked about when people discuss the midfielder. This was particularly shown during Liverpool’s title-winning season when their captain ranked 8th among midfielders for passes into the final third.
Likewise, the Liverpool captain is a defensive cog in the wheel that spins the Liverpool pressing machine.
While it was less utilised last season due to injuries, the threat of injuries, and the overall tiredness of a packed schedule, it would be no surprise if Klopp reverted to a similar intensity in the latest campaign.
When Liverpool was knocked out of the Champions League against Real Madrid last season, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recognised Henderson’s role changed from his usual defensive pressing.
“What was their strength was winning the ball high with Henderson in midfield, and Milner, by moving Henderson back they have lost that.” the Frenchman said.
Henderson’s high fitness and athleticism levels normally allow him to maintain the same tempo for 90 minutes. As a result, his intensity rarely drops and can have positive effects on those around him if he is playing at such a rate.
The Liverpool manager and the club’s supporters will be hoping Henderson the effects of his groin injury are limited and that he can return to full form when he comes back to the starting lineup sometime soon.
Jordan Henderson’s leadership skills have been impressive. It makes him a valuable player to Liverpool.