Liverpool really struggled without midfield pair Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum against West Ham, according to Tony Cascarino.
Writing for the Times, the high-profile pundit claimed the “brilliant” pair showed why they are so integral to Jurgen Klopp’s side as injuries kept them out of the 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.
“Liverpool missed Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum more than they would have liked,” Cascarino said. “They are the type of players who are only truly appreciated when they are missing; that midfield, with James Milner alongside them, never gives opponents a minute’s rest.
“They are brilliant at robbing the opposition of the ball and without them Liverpool found it difficult to compete. They looked vulnerable. Adam Lallana has not played enough and looks half-fit and off the pace.
“Naby Keïta has probably been the worst of all of Liverpool’s big signings. What Wijnaldum and Henderson do so expertly is set the tone for the side.”
OPINION
Did Liverpool really miss Henderson and Wijnaldum as much as Cascarino claims? It’s certainly debatable whether Henderson was a huge loss. Fabinho has been extremely impressive in recent months, and his ball-winning capabilities are of a higher standard than the Englishman, not to mention a passing range that is of a different level. The Brazilian is a superior midfield anchorman and will eventually replace Henderson permanently in that position. As for Wijnaldum, he certainly was sorely missed. The Dutchman is a class act and the best in the club in central midfield. His was the place expected to be most under threat from the arrivals of Fabinho and Keita, but Wijnaldum’s positioning, interceptions and ball retention is better than all of them. He is teak-tough. Of all the big-name absentees, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez, Wijnaldum is the man Jurgen Klopp will most want back in the side imminently.