Steve Nicol names Liverpool player who could be converted into centre-back cover | OneFootball

Former Liverpool player Steve Nicol has claimed that Jordan Henderson could be converted into a makeshift centre-back option for the club.

Nicol says that young defender Rhys Williams is likely to start alongside Joe Gomez, but also suggests that Henderson could be dropped in.

Joel Matip, Fabinho and Virgil van Dijk all look set to miss Liverpool’s clash with West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday, leaving Gomez as Jurgen Klopp’s only senior centre-back option.

Speaking to ESPN, as transcribed by The Express, Nicol assessed Liverpool’s defensive situation. “We’ve got one centre-back, Joe Gomez who right now is going to be the guy in charge.

“He’s going to have to be the one sweeping everything up, regardless of if they play two or three [at the back].

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“I don’t really see how they could play three, I think they are just going to have to go with the young kid Williams and hope Gomez is mature enough to talk him through it.

“Henderson could probably drop in but again, Gomez would have to talk him through it.”

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

Henderson’s defensive capabilities could help him transition into playing a centre-back role, so Nicol’s shout is not a bad one. The England international has averaged over 2 tackles per game across the last four Premier League seasons, showing his defensive instincts and ability to win the ball back off the opposition. In that time, he has also averaged over one interception per game and this shows that he knows how to read the game – a trait useful to a centre-back as they step out to intercept passes.

However, it could be better to use Williams and keep Henderson in his midfield role. Williams is a natural centre-back and it could give him some vital first-team experience that he needs to further develop his game and progress as a player. Playing in Premier League games whilst the other centre-backs are out injured could give him the exposure he needs to learn the skills he needs to play regular first-team football.