There’s no argument as to who is the best deep-lying playmaker Liverpool have had in the Premier League era.
Xabi Alonso sat at the base of midfield and controlled games for Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool side in the mid-noughties with precision and class.
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Since he left in 2009, Alonso has done the same for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, two of the best three sides in Europe.
In truth, it’s a travesty we allowed him to leave when we did, but in Jordan Henderson – we may have found a player capable of doing a similar role…
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The skipper has moved into the position this term, impressing everyone with his performances so far this campaign. He’s made more passes than any player in the Premier League, as well as covering the most ground – pretty incredible statistics.
Alonso has been suitably impressed…
“It’s not just the performances on the pitch, from the outside it looks like he has taken the leading role in the changing room,” said Alonso, cited in the Echo.
“After Stevie (Gerrard), he got the captain’s armband and he wanted to try to continue what they did, and he’s managing it so far. With Klopp and Lucas (Leiva) as well, he’s doing well.
“Jordan has so much energy, he plays well and he’s very complete. Not just as a holding midfielder, he’s able to get closer to the box. He’s becoming a very important player.
Praise indeed from someone of Alonso’s ability. Henderson lacks the Spaniard’s passing ability, but so do most – and what the Englishman lacks in unadulterated flair, he makes up for in work-rate, stability and chance creation.