Brendan Rodgers believes that the absence of Jordan Henderson against Chelsea in the spring of 2014 was one of the main reasons that Liverpool failed to win the Premier League title.
The Irishman was in his second season in charge at Anfield when he fashioned together an unexpected title charge.
A forward line of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling caught the attention but behind them Henderson was making his mark in the centre of midfield.
Steven Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea is remembered as the moment the title was lost according to Rodgers there was another important issue that day.
Recalling the development of the England midfielder Rodgers told the Telegraph: “What is often overlooked in the season we narrowly missed out on the title (in 2014) is how much we missed Jordan in the game against Chelsea.
“He was sent off in the previous match at Anfield against Manchester City in injury time. It was so unfortunate. His physical influence – the pressing he brought to that team – was really missed.
“If you remember, before I went to Liverpool he was playing wide in a 4-4-2, and his job was to get crosses into the box.
“When he moved inside he showed his qualities. He developed his game, was always responsive to ideas and made a natural progression to be captain.
“You always knew you were going to get work rate and intensity with Jordan. He could give you good energy in the central area. His running power is a great strength, and when you do not have the ball he has a great hunger to press the game.”
Henderson captained Liverpool in the final of the Champions League against Real Madrid in May and will be critical to England’s hopes of reaching the final of the World Cup when Gareth Southgate’s side face Croatia on Wednesday.
