Jordan Henderson

[red g]

I can see a similar situation developing as that of when Lucas signed. Highly-rated youngster with the raw talent but still hadn't found his proper position. The fans will probably be split over Henderson for a while but eventually once he get's that consistency to his game he will become a favourite.

they were like that with Henderson up at SUnderland as well. although when he left they were still split

[Fosterbloke]

Give the guy a break man. He didn't put that price on his head and Kenny bought him for a reason. None of us know what instructions he's been given so until we do, let's assume it's to play it safe and gain an understanding of the tactics.

[SB]

The more he plays with the experienced lads the more he'll feel like he belongs here.

It's a big step up from Sunderland to us and he's doing the initiation at present and if he can find a few goals or assists he'll really start to believe in himself. I like the lad and think he'll prove to be a good signing.

[Shaggy]

Surprised to see so many people thinking he played well. I thought he was pretty poor and is clearly lacking belief at the moment. It's a big move and a big price tag for a young kid and he seems to me to be inhibited by it. Personally I'd take him out of the side for now (it would've been for Raul but now he's injured get Dirk back in) although dropping him wouldn't be good for his already (seemingly) brittle confidence.

[dww]

I think replacing him with Kuyt would be a mistake. We need to focus on getting a better passing game going and the role Henderson has fulfilled in the games I have seen is to ferry the ball from deep to higher up the pitch and to help ensure others on the ball always have an easy option. Kuyt is poor in deep areas. I'd persevere with Henderson personally but if we do decide to drop him I think Maxi is a more natural replacement.

With Meireles out I think Henderson is a nailed on starter for the next few games though.

[Shaggy]

I think replacing him with Kuyt would be a mistake. We need to focus on getting a better passing game going and the role Henderson has fulfilled in the games I have seen is to ferry the ball from deep to higher up the pitch and to help ensure others on the ball always have an easy option. Kuyt is poor in deep areas.

That's assuming we play a 4-4-2. Looked like a 4-2-3-1 to me last night and Kuyt is absolutely fine in that particular shape. If it remains 4-2-3-1 it'd be Dirk in for Henderson for me.

[Exiled_red]

That's assuming we play a 4-4-2. Looked like a 4-2-3-1 to me last night and Kuyt is absolutely fine in that particular shape. If it remains 4-2-3-1 it'd be Dirk in for Henderson for me.

I'm not sure what the formation last night was meant to be I think that the nature of the game meant that the more attack minded midfielders pushed further forward than they might have against better opposition, whether this was planned or not I don't really know. I suspect we would have played differently against better opposition.

[SB]

I think replacing him with Kuyt would be a mistake. We need to focus on getting a better passing game going and the role Henderson has fulfilled in the games I have seen is to ferry the ball from deep to higher up the pitch and to help ensure others on the ball always have an easy option. Kuyt is poor in deep areas. I'd persevere with Henderson personally but if we do decide to drop him I think Maxi is a more natural replacement.

With Meireles out I think Henderson is a nailed on starter for the next few games though.

[Rishi73]

I think replacing him with Kuyt would be a mistake. We need to focus on getting a better passing game going and the role Henderson has fulfilled in the games I have seen is to ferry the ball from deep to higher up the pitch and to help ensure others on the ball always have an easy option. Kuyt is poor in deep areas. I'd persevere with Henderson personally but if we do decide to drop him I think Maxi is a more natural replacement.

With Meireles out I think Henderson is a nailed on starter for the next few games though.

I can't believe that Kuyt has been dropped in favour of Henderson. Kuyt had a great season last year and helped the team with plenty of match winning goals.

Kuyt is sometimes ineffective when we have lots of the ball and struggle to break down defenses but I haven't seen anything form Henderson that says he can do any better.

I'm not writing Henderson off and I do hope he comes good but for the sake of the team the lad should be dropped in place of someone who is more deserving. Maxi is definitely worth a shout just coz he can score goals and seems to get along with Suarez.

As for Carroll I've seen enough of his left boot to understand why he should get an extended run in the team. Its frustrating that he's slow and dwells too much on the ball but hopefully this is down to a lack of fitness. And as long as we put it on a plate for him he will get his fair share of goals.

[dww]

That's assuming we play a 4-4-2. Looked like a 4-2-3-1 to me last night and Kuyt is absolutely fine in that particular shape. If it remains 4-2-3-1 it'd be Dirk in for Henderson for me.

He's more than fine in it if we play high up. I really like him there but if we are trying to change style I think we have to play the players that most encourage it.

[Fredo]

That's assuming we play a 4-4-2. Looked like a 4-2-3-1 to me last night and Kuyt is absolutely fine in that particular shape. If it remains 4-2-3-1 it'd be Dirk in for Henderson for me.

I think with Johnson in the side Henderson would be doing really well.

[Neil Young]

He's more than fins in it if we play high up. I really like him there but if we are trying to change style I think we have to play the players that most encourage it.

Are you suggesting in the new style he'd be like a fish out of water?

[dww]

Are you suggesting in the new style he'd be like a fish out of water?

[danperkins]

That's assuming we play a 4-4-2. Looked like a 4-2-3-1 to me last night and Kuyt is absolutely fine in that particular shape. If it remains 4-2-3-1 it'd be Dirk in for Henderson for me.

Kuyt offers so much more than Henderson at the moment.

[Fosterbloke]

Kuyt offers so much more than Henderson at the moment.

Perhaps in the short term but long term, playing Henderson means we can keep learning and gelling using our new system.

He will improve aft a few games and confidence in the system grows.