Watching England pays off for Klopp
MAURIZIO SARRI said he was too busy to watch all of Callum Hudson-Odoi’s England debut. Jurgen Klopp tuned in for Jordan Henderson, though, and what he learned may yet drive Liverpool over the finishing line at home, or even in Europe. When Henderson (right) joined up with England in mid-March he did so having last scored for Liverpool on September 23, 2017 against Leicester. More damningly, he had not been credited with the assisting pass for a goal all season. Henderson would say privately that this was not his fault. He was detailed for a specific role by Klopp and was not given the freedom to get in a position to influence the attacking side of the game. That is not how he plays for his country. Pleased by the influence he had on forward play across two matches that brought 10 goals against the Czech Republic and Montenegro, Henderson went to see Klopp on his return. He said he thought he could give more to the team, if allowed forward, with Fabinho the padlock behind him. And because Klopp had bothered to watch his player in action for England, he agreed. Henderson now has a goal and three assists for Liverpool in recent matches and is looking increasingly vital as the title race reaches the home straight. Players can’t be bought outside the transfer window, but Henderson is having the impact of a new signing. And all because Klopp watched England and was receptive to ideas other than his own.