Alan Shearer thinks Jordan Henderson decision would ‘definitely help’ Liverpool

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Alan Shearer has told BBC Sport that putting Jordan Henderson back into midfield would ‘definitely help’ revive Liverpool’s flailing fortunes.

The champions were beaten 4-1 by Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, leaving the Reds ten points behind Pep Guardiola’s team having played a game more.

Liverpool have a real fight on their hands to finish in the top-four and Jurgen Klopp has plenty of work to do.

A lack of fit central defenders has seen Henderson been called upon at centre-back.

Shearer has suggested that such a decision has been counter-productive and implied they need him back in midfield.

He told BBC Sport: “Something needs to change for the team to get its belief back, and putting Henderson back in his proper position would definitely help.

“They signed two centre-backs – Preston’s Ben Davies and Schalke’s Ozan Kabak – on deadline day last week, so I would suggest putting at least one of them in there as soon as possible so Henderson can return to the centre of midfield. They need him there.”

Liverpool face a tough test against Leicester next up and their situation is becoming critical.

Chelsea are starting to play well under Thomas Tuchel, whilst West Ham and Everton will fancy their chances of a top-four finish too.

TBR View: Shearer is right to suggest Henderson returning to midfield

The Liverpool captain has done a tremendous job in defence but the team doesn’t function properly when he doesn’t pull the strings.

Henderson has become one of the best, most effective midfielders in Europe when it comes to doing what he does and the Reds have missed that.

The £140,000-a-week star is instrumental from the middle of the park and it’s time for Klopp to call upon his new centre-backs.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but playing both Henderson and Fabinho at the back against City didn’t work.

It allowed Guardiola’s team to control the midfield and it crucified Liverpool through the middle of the pitch.

Klopp must get his team flying once again and getting his captain back in midfield would be a great start.