Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is very keen to have his place back in the starting lineup.
The English international was the preferred choice in the deep lying role last season as he made 25 starts in the Premier League. But the arrival of Naby Keita and Fabinho has made things complicated for him and the 28 year old has fallen in the pecking order this term.
Jurgen Klopp has been using Giorginio Wijnaldum in the holding midfield role and the Dutch international has exceeded all expectations this season. Henderson enjoyed an extended break following his involvement with the Three Lions in the World Cup and had to start afresh after coming back to Anfield.
The midfielder said, “I came back later than everybody else so I can’t expect to come straight back in.
“The lads have worked hard all pre-season. You can see the benefits already in how fit they are, the rhythm they’ve got from playing games.
“They’ve been fantastic, winning games, so it’s normal for me that I’m not playing. I can accept it.
“It just means I have to keep working hard, keep improving and take my chance when it comes.
“I totally respect the players around me, how well they are playing, and the manager as well. He always decides and he’s always right.
“I’ve basically tried to use this period to refresh my body, refresh my mind. Last season was long, especially with the World Cup, and this is hopefully going to be another long season with a lot of games so I need to make sure I’m ready.
“I’m using this period to make sure I’m as ready as possible.
“I’m sure players who haven’t played as much as they’d have liked so far will have a big impact over the next few months because of the amount of games.
“We just want to keep going in that direction and keep winning games.”
