HENDO: BOLD REDS A MATCH FOR ANYONE
JORDAN HENDERSON says Liverpool are now a match for anyone in the title race.
The Reds destroyed Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday and Henderson believes it sent out a message of intent to the Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Tottenham.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have made a flying start to the new campaign.
And they are also determined to build long-term success – following a club-record £48million deal for Red Bull Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita (below).
Although Guinean Keita, 22, will not join until next summer, Henderson says it proves that Liverpool are in for the long term and are ready to challenge for major honours again.
The Liverpool captain said: “We’ve started well this season and we’ve improved in each game. The last game was very good, but we must keep that going.
“We’ve got a tough game when we get back, against Manchester City. We’re in a good moment, but we can improve.
“Arsenal are still a very good team with very good players. I know they will get a lot of criticism after our game, but, at the same time, we were very good.
“When we play like that, with that intensity, it would be a struggle for any team to come to Anfield and perform. A lot of credit must go to the lads for the way they played.”
Henderson believes the added competition from new arrivals Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson – and Keita next summer – will push them on a level.
Keita will put pressure on Henderson himself in Liverpool’s midfield.
But the England star said: “If you play for top teams, you are going to sign good players. I have seen Naby play quite a few times and he looks a top, top player.
“OK, he comes next year, but I am sure the club are delighted to get him because he will be a real addition and will, hopefully, help us over the next few years.”
The timing of the international break may not be ideal, but Henderson, 27, added: “I wouldn’t really say it was a disruption.
“We have had a lot of games in a short space of time at Liverpool, what with the qualifiers for the Champions League.
“So it gives the lads, who are not on international breaks, a little bit of time off to train and have a few days with their families.
“Then we all have to go back and be ready for City.
“The rest of us have to switch our mentality from club games to internationals now.
“We have got to totally focus on England and do the best we can – and not think about that City game until after the second international.”