Three players who took it to the next level in December

Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson hardly ever gets the praise he deserves, so let’s change that. Henderson has been a vital part of the side this month. He’s the beating heart of the midfield and there is a reason why Jurgen Klopp loves him so much.

His inner beast started to come out during the back end of December, and certainly against Leicester, where he combined with Alexander-Arnold down the right and sent some gorgeous passes to Andy Robertson on the left.

Henderson’s range seems to have been unlocked in recent weeks and allowed to roam forward with more regularity by Klopp. This was a tactic the German employed last season to get the best out of the Sunderland born skipper and it worked a treat – now it’s time for the same again.

In the absence of Fabinho, the captain has also been employed in the deeper lying role and this has allowed Keita and the like to burst forward and get in between the lines. When he plays there, Henderson shows impressive tactical discipline and leadership in a further example of why he’s so loved at Anfield.

He might have no goals and only one assist in December but his game is so much more than just those stats.