‘Brain dead’, ‘Awful’ - Why Reds fans have to be patient with maligned ace

Liverpool have been impeccable so far, with their only blip: the collapse against Manchester City. 

The Reds have torn aside every other team in the division as they maintained their momentum in the Premier League. 

Jurgen Klopp’s men are top of the standings with 57 points, flaunting the second most potent attack and the thickest defensive wall. 

Expectedly, Mohamed Salah has lead the goal charge with aplomb, hitting his 14th strike at Brighton. At the opposite end, there’s Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, seamlessly flawless in a Red jersey. 

However, Klopp haven’t quite enjoyed such mastery in the middle of the park. Understandably, the likes of Fabinho and Nabil Keita didn’t hit the ground running after joining last summer from Monaco and RB Leipzig respectively. 

With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unavailable due to injury, it was down to Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner and Jordan Henderson to provide the steel from the middle.

Of the trio, however, skipper Henderson has considerably underwhelmed. 

A leader, with an eye for diagonal passes and brave tackles, the Sunderland prodigy haven’t shown those traits this term.

His performance was particularly awful against Brighton as he slotted alongside Wijnaldum with Milner dropped to the bench in favour of a four-man attack. 

Although Liverpool dominated the encounter, the utterly cautious Henderson appeared to slow things up with his sideways passing. 

The Reds struggled to break down the host and when they eventually did, it came through the spots.

In terms of possession, they enjoyed 70% possession, but the Seagulls were organized and difficult to break down.

Henderson was singled out for criticism after the encounter. 

While their plight is understandable, the Liverpool faithful must be patient with the 28-year-old. 

In his eight years at Anfield, the midfielder has delivered consistent performances, especially at times when his teammates needed inspiration.

He has carried the team on his shoulders on numerous occasions, showing just why he wears the armband.

It’s only a matter of time before the 28-year-old returns to his usual extraordinary self.