Captain Jordan Henderson‘s role in Liverpool’s second-half capitulation was a particular talking point after throwing away a 3-goal half-time lead against Sevilla.
While Ever Banega ran the show from deep in the second half for the home side, Henderson went completely missing for the visitors.
Incredibly, the captain had LESS touches than goalkeeper Loris Karius, and a pass completion rate of just 55%.
That he completed no tackles, won no aerial duels, and made five fouls makes for awful reading in his post-match stats.
Hendo has 5 touches less than Karius. And 59%passing#Ghost2.0
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) November 21, 2017
Between half Tim and 63rd min, Eva Banega had 36 touches, 33 passes and an assist.
LFC had 35 touches total
Hendo touched the ball twice— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) November 21, 2017
Jordan Henderson completed 55% of his passes against Sevilla.
Yes, a central midfielder completing just 55% of his passes….#SEVLIV pic.twitter.com/TuYha6yo3q
— ReviewFootball (@ReviewFootball) November 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/LFCData/status/933091695670857728
The second half saw Liverpool lacking leadership, and as the Spanish side continued their onslaught, the Reds’ captain was nowhere to be seen.
The impression remains that as much, if not more than, a central defender (or two), Liverpool could do with a midfielder who doesn’t solve problems by running at them.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 21, 2017
Absolutely spineless performance from Henderson today, really disappointing, especially for the captain on the side.
— Tom McMahon (@tomjpmac) November 21, 2017
If you're Henderson you need to be getting hold of Moreno after he gives away the free-kick and focusing him. If you're Klopp you need to be protecting him, get a midfielder in front of him, take him off if needed.
— Michael Owen (@mfowen91) November 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/DeanCoombes/status/933087731525324800
https://twitter.com/Goalanke/status/933080158940073984
Henderson might even be a bigger problem than Lovren tbh.
— Arastu (@illidan_storm) November 21, 2017
Liverpool have no leaders on the field. The captain’s armband is wasted on Henderson.
— Mersey Reds (@MerseyReds1) November 21, 2017
Alberto Moreno had a bad. It happens. Focus on the captain. Henderson. He lost his head. Not for the 1st time. #LFC
— indykaila News (@indykaila) November 21, 2017
Leadership is a quality that has often been cited as being missing in this Liverpool squad, and that begins with the captain.
https://twitter.com/NateGuildea/status/933092033660514305
Henderson can't control a match, he can never hold his position. Wijnaldum just literally disappears away from home. Talk about the defence all you want but if you have a midfield that can't protect a back 4, you'll always struggle.
— Brad_LFC (@Brad_LFC7) November 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/AnfieldExpress/status/933088282984009729
Henderson possibly the most spineless LFC captain there has ever been
— Declan Carr (@Declancarr96) November 21, 2017
When everything is going smooth Henderson looks like a Liverpool player.
But when shit starts to stir up he looks every bit a Sunderland player that he was.
I am sorry if i am coming out as bitter here but too many times under crunch situation this guy just disappears.— Äamir Bakshi (@Madred1988) November 21, 2017
Alberto Moreno‘s mistakes may receive more headlines, but Henderson’s performance was far more problematic overall.
Sevilla continually found space between Henderson’s position and Liverpool’s centre backs, with the Liverpool No. 14 failing to protect the defence behind him in his deep-lying midfield role.
