Jor-dropping stuff from the skipper

@Maddockmirror

WITH Liverpool, it is so easy to focus on the phenomenon that is Mo Salah.

Not to mention the sublime menace of their front three.

After all, the trio briefly filled the medal positions in the Premier League scoring charts at the weekend.

And they are responsible for an all-time top-flight scoring record of two or more goals in 18 consecutive matches.

Yet behind the front men, there is always a Svengali, a relatively unheralded figure who pulls the strings and directs proceedings… and for the Reds that is skipper Jordan Henderson.

Admittedly, his influence was rather more obvious than normal here at Goodison, scoring the opening goal with an exquisite finish and enjoying the celebration (right).

And then the England man created Liverpool’s second goal with an equally impressive ball for Salah.

But it is the other work he does which makes him so important for Liverpool.

Against Everton, he played much further forward than anticipated, virtually behind Salah, and the Blues were not set up to expect it or deal with it.

Henderson’s ability to rotate positions, find space and recycle the ball in such dangerous areas was a huge factor in this win for the men from across Stanley Park. And when things got briefly tough, he was there as a leader, as the figure the rest listened and responded to without question.

A leader with intelligence and no little skill to go with all his application

It is no wonder manager Jurgen Klopp says he is one of the most important figures at Anfield – and someone he fought so hard to get signed up for the rest of his career.

That contract may not be as important to the fans, but it is vital for this club’s immediate future.