Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson has missed the last four games for the Reds and while the club haven’t done too badly in his absence, the influential midfielder has been a big miss from the side.

The former Sunderland man has often been criticised by Liverpool fans as not being dynamic enough or giving the side a lot of quality. But the facts state otherwise, stats from Oulala highlights that Liverpool actually are a better team with the Englishman in their side.

Henderson certainly has been a divisive figure but even though he has missed five Premier League games this season, Liverpool are a better team with him in the side.

The Reds have scored an average of 2.2 goals per game when Henderson has played while they chip in with 1.8 goals per game without him this season. While the attack has done better per game, it is a bit of a surprise that the defence also does well when the Englishman is in the side.

Liverpool concede 1.2 goals per game when Hendo is playing while they let in an astonishing 1.6 goals when he isn’t in the side. Though conceding more than a goal per game is a problem for any side trying to stay at the top of the table, playing with Henderson does provide a decent base for the Reds to work with.

The win rate also gets a boost with the club captain in the team. The Reds won 58% of their games when the Englishman was playing and only won 40% of the games when he wasn’t playing. They also gained 2 points per game with Henderson in the side and only got 1.6 points when he wasn’t in the team.

With news coming in that Adam Lallana is a major doubt for the Reds after the international break and Henderson’s return to the side could not have come at a better time.

Liverpool are set to play Everton in the Merseyside derby and a win is a requirement if they are to continue their charge for a top-four place. Henderson could play a major role in the game and should he play to his best, the Reds should end up winning the tie.