Henderson surely set for permanent bench role after Fabinho finds form

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After a slow start to life in England, Fabinho is finally starting to show fans why he was so highly rated before joining.

The combative defensive midfielder was handed his first Premier League start yesterday as Liverpool beat Cardiff City.

And after impressing against Red Star Belgrade in midweek, he turned in another top display.

His recent performances in midfield will be delighting fans. But one Liverpool player will be wondering how he breaks back into the side now.

Jordan Henderson, who is currently out injured, is surely falling down the pecking order at Anfield.

Despite being captain of Liverpool, he is now behind a number of players who are competing for the central midfield spots.

Fabinho’s recent form has been an audition for a permanent spot in the starting line-up.

And James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum are also performing well so competition is high in this department.

When Naby Keita returns from injury as well, Henderson has an uphill task convincing Jurgen Klopp that he is worthy of a recall.

And the German now deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation against lesser opposition. This means there are only two starting places to be fighting for.

Keita offers energy in midfield. Wijnaldum’s ball-carrying skills have improved. Milner is an all-round reliable performer.

And with Fabinho now showing that he can offer tenacity to protect the back four, Henderson is likely to be a bit-part player when he returns to fitness.