Liverpool have a Jordan Henderson problem. Well, as much as you can have with a player like Henderson in this stage of his career. Previously, such a statement would lead to arguments that Kenny Dalglish was playing him out of position, or he doesn't score or create enough, or that he's too injury prone. With those days banished, any Henderson problems are now first-world, but that isn't to say he isn't posing one.

The 29-year-old has been the best player in the Premier League this season. He has lead Liverpool to the brink of their first title in 30 years. Moreover, he has been a creative fulcrum — setting up chances from deep, arriving late and constantly working for the team. It is clear that Jürgen Klopp loves his captain and if fit, he will be in the team, but where that is now becomes a topic in itself?

Henderson's season of three goals and five assists can be chartered across two different positions and two different time periods this season. The split comes in Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Napoli at Anfield on 27 November 2019, the date Brazilian midfielder Fabinho suffered an ankle injury. The skipper had started the season as a number eight before reverting back to his old stomping ground after the number three was ruled out.

Some seen the injury as potentially catastrophic, yet Henderson flourished. He bossed games in the Reds' midfield from deep with his long distance passing — something which was always present — finally starting to be collectively appreciated. The best position for Henderson can be cast-off as a luxury as opposed to problem, but his numbers do offer a stark realisation of the differing impact he has on the team based on where he plays.

Henderson's long range assist for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Bournemouth was a result of his deeper position.

Up until Fabinho's injury, Henderson was featuring high on work-ethic-based-stats such as ball pressures (23.45), tackles (3.82) and ball recoveries (5.07) per game. However, his creativity in areas such as xG assisted (0.09), xG buildup (0.38) and pass percentage (77) per game were all relatively low. Ironically, since he moved further back, his creativity has soared.

Henderson was on the scoresheet on his return to the number eight against Southampton in January.

From the time period immediately after Napoli to the first leg against Atlético Madrid in February (the time of Fabinho's first start after returning), Henderson was up on xG assisted (0.16), xG buildup (0.97 — effectively a goal a game) and pass percentage (88) per 90 minutes. His defensive numbers didn't suffer, if anything they improved. As did other stats such as deep lying progressions (6.44 to 9.53). Put simply, the further back Henderson played in midfield, the more creative he became.

There are possible explanations for this. First could simply be that his form markedly improved as the season progressed, but that isn't entirely true, as his leadership and performances were being lauded from the opening game. Henderson started the season with something to prove in the Premier League and had gone up a level after captaining Liverpool to a European Cup. It can also be pondered whether his time at number eight helped him become more creative from deep, understanding more the movement in front of him on-and-off the ball. Either way, the best of the captain clearly came in a place Fabinho had previously made his own.

Among the context of this piece is Fabinho's own form. The Brazilian has struggled physically at times after a prolonged period out of the team. It is true that he relies heavily on consistent momentum. When he does get going he is a phenomenal addition to Liverpool, but it remains to be seen what version of him comes back after almost three months without competitive action.

With a turbulent opening three games of the restart against Everton, Crystal Palace and Manchester City, all of which could potentially seal the title, Klopp will be genuinely conflicted about what he does at number six and whether Henderson could actually be the player who gets the nod. This would also free up more opportunity for versatile options at number eight with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita pushing for places. It's an interesting prospect, and one that is far from concrete in terms of who lines up at Goodison Park next Sunday.