Henderson discusses Liverpool’s ‘word-class’ attacking trio

Rob Conlon

Jordan Henderson has hailed the quality of Liverpool’s “world-class” forward line of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

The trio have been influential in firing Liverpool to the top of the Premier League, with the Reds averaging almost three goals a game in their 11 matches this term.

However, Liverpool captain Henderson highlights their defensive work as equally important in Jurgen Klopp’s side.

“They are world-class players,” he said. “Their understanding of the game, not only going forward, but also the work rate they all give for the team in terms of pressing and winning the ball back high up the pitch.

“They all help the team defensively. The three of them are fantastic at that and going forward they are unstoppable when they are on it.

“I see them every day and, for me, they are world-class players. It’s a pleasure to be playing with them. It’s our job to ensure we offer protection for them when they are going forward and expressing themselves.

“As a team I feel as though we have a lot of quality and in the final third they’ve been brilliant over the past few weeks. It was very good from them against Watford but then I thought we were very good throughout the whole team.”

England international Henderson was a member of the last Liverpool team to sit atop the Premier League table, when an attack of Raheem Sterling, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge almost fired the club to the title under Brendan Rodgers.

But the 26-year-old is reluctant to draw comparisons between the two teams.

“They are all fantastic players, every single one of them is top class,” he said. “I don’t really like comparing this team to a couple of seasons ago.

“I prefer to concentrate on this team and what we’re good at and what we’re doing. That’s the most important thing. The team of 2013-14 is in the past.”