---
title: "Telling statistic illustrates Jordan Henderson’s importance to Liverpool"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/telling-statistic-illustrates-jordan-hendersons-importance-to-liverpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-01-29T15:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-01-29T15:00:00Z"
---

# Telling statistic illustrates Jordan Henderson’s importance to Liverpool

An amazing statistic has summed up how impressive Jordan Henderson has been at centre-back for Liverpool, further highlighting his vast influence.

The Reds skipper was deployed in defence once again on Thursday night, as the Premier League champions won 3-1 away to Tottenham.

With Fabinho missing out through [injury](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/423892-fabinho-injury-update) and [Joel Matip](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/klopp-liverpool-transfer-matip-breaking-19724097) not returning for the second half, the onus was on Henderson to shine.

He was excellent all night, playing a big role in the victory and marshalling Nathaniel Phillips after the break.

As pointed out by [https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/1354912522583879683?s=20](https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/1354912522583879683?s=20)*[Squawka](https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/1354912522583879683?s=20)*, Henderson is yet to be dribbled past by an opposition player in his three appearances at centre-back in 2021 – something more associated with Virgil van Dijk.

> Jordan Henderson has not been dribbled past by an opposition player in any of the three PL games he has started at centre-back in 2021.
>
> Virgil Van Dijk has taught him well. 😉 [pic.twitter.com/ak66XXoVzw](https://t.co/ak66XXoVzw)
>
> — Squawka (@Squawka) [January 28, 2021](https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/1354912522583879683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

### Read Liverpool Verdict

It is a stat that will surprise many, but perfectly showcases what an effective, versatile footballer Henderson is.

He has slotted in at centre-back seamlessly, and to not be dribbled past once shows he is positionally-sound and not short of pace.

It is far from ideal having to play Henderson in defence, but he is showing that he can do a job there, much in the way Fabinho has.

The hope is that a new centre-back is signed by Monday and the captain can return to midfield, but he is at least a reliable option in that different position.