Henderson outlines the defensive ‘problem’ Klopp faces ahead of Brighton clash

Jordan Henderson believes this year Jurgen Klopp is facing a different defensive problem with Liverpool

In his matchday programme notes published on the official club site earlier today, Jordan Henderson described the current problem that Jurgen Klopp is facing with the Liverpool defence unit. 

Last season Liverpool faced a defensive disaster with regards to injuries. As most of his first-choice centre backs were sidelined, he had to compromise his intent to defend the title successfully. In January, Joel Matip suffered ankle ligament damage after Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez suffered knee injuries early this year that sidelined them for the whole season. 

During February, Henderson, who was deployed in the defensive duties to cover up for his fellow teammates, also spent some time on the sidelines due to an injury issue of his own.

But this season, the story is entirely different for the reds. The Merseyside team bought Ibrahima Konaté from Leipzig in the summer, and he featured in the 5-0 demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

They also have Nat Phillips who impressed Kopites with his performances at the end of the previous season.

According to Henderson, now the German coach has so many options that he now faces problems deciding who to play. In his matchday programme notes, Henderson wrote:

“This time around, the gaffer has the opposite problem – he has to decide which of our outstanding centre-backs he will pick for any particular game. Without even asking him, I know which ‘problem’ he would prefer.”

Though Henderson believes the 54 years old manager now has the luxury to choose from a pool of quality players, some part of the luxury is becoming difficult. 

Henderson believes the individual quality of the centre backs is proving to be influential in the improvement of the whole unit. According to him, they are making things easier for the person standing beside them.  

“As captain, it is brilliant knowing that whichever of them plays won’t just do a job for us, they will excel in that job, and this is because the standards they set for themselves as individuals are bringing out the best in one another.”

Liverpool have a match against Brighton today, and it’ll be interesting to see which centre-back partnership Klopp has decided to use for the game. 

The Reds has a long season ahead of them, and this depth in the squad can help them achieve more extraordinary things.