Talking Tactics: How Liverpool can adapt to Henderson departure

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is edging closer to a move to Saudi Arabia. 

The 33-year-old has been an influential figure at Anfield since Jurgen Klopp’s arrival in 2015. 

But the Reds captain has not been involved in either of Liverpool's pre-season games thus far as a switch to join Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq draws nearer.

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, Liverpool will need to find a way to cope without Henderson's leadership and energy on the pitch.

Midfield marshal

Henderson’s qualities are no secret to Liverpool fans.

An aggressive presser and vocal motivator, he quickly became one of Klopp’s most trusted players. 

The England international ranked 12th in the Premier League last season for possessions won in the middle third per 90 minutes (4.12). 

He also ranked high for completed final third passes per 90 (17.49), evidence of his ability to get Liverpool on the front foot after winning the ball back.

Transitional period

Henderson’s departure leaves Klopp with two questions to answer. 

The first is deciding who to take the captain’s armband. Virgil van Dijk is the most likely successor in a team going through something of a transitional phase, though there are other candidates in the running. 

The second consideration is who does Henderson's job in Klopp's system. 

With Fabinho also likely headed for Saudi Arabia, Liverpool’s options in that area of the pitch are increasingly limited. 

One solution could be to use new signing Alexis Mac Allister in Henderson’s role. 

The Argentine ranked relatively high for possessions won in the middle (3.62) and attacking (0.9) thirds per 90. 

That pressing ability, developed under Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton, could help fill the void left by Henderson.

New additions

Liverpool might also delve into the transfer market to look for a long-term replacement for Henderson. 

Manchester City flop Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a potential move to Anfield, having struggled for game time since leaving Leeds. 

The 27-year-old even surpassed Henderson in terms of possessions won in the middle third per 90 (4.64) last season, although he played far fewer minutes than the Reds skipper. 

Crystal Palace enforcer Cheick Doucoure is another target, according to recent reports. 

The Mali international excels off the ball, making the second-most interceptions (56) and 12th-most tackles (77) in the division last season.

Filling the void

Replacing Henderson on the pitch may be an easier job than replacing him off the pitch. 

With several influential figures having already moved on — including James Milner and Roberto Firmino — creating a winning mentality with this new crop will be a challenge for Klopp, who credits Henderson particularly for helping to forge that culture on Merseyside.

He said: "Nothing we achieved in the last few years would have happened without [Henderson], that’s easy to say. 

"There are so many important things you do over a season to keep a group together, to keep a group going in difficult moments and he is great in that. 

"He has speed, he has endurance, so he can run for ages. [His] defensive skills are great, offensive skills are really great, [he has] awareness, vision, passing. 

"He brings everything you need to lead a football team." 

Finding a way to fill the leadership void left by his long-serving captain will be one of Klopp’s greatest challenges as Liverpool boss next season.