Liverpool captain and England midfielder Jordan Henderson believes Adam Lallana has been a big miss for both club and country.
Lallana has not played for Liverpool since March, when he suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace, and his last competitive appearance for England came in June 2017.
He missed the first half of last season with a thigh injury, with the subsequent hamstring complaint emblematic of a career that has been riddled with injuries.
The 30-year-old was named England’s player of the year in 2016, and Henderson believes that if his teammate returns to that form he will be a vital addition to Gareth Southgate’s England side.
“He is such a big talent – not so long ago he was England’s player of the year,” Henderson told reporters.
“He is a massive player. I feel that we have missed him, both with Liverpool and with England.
“It’s exciting for me to know that when he comes back in, he can take us forward even more. He can help us get better and I am excited for Liverpool and England for him to get back playing football and to show everyone what he is capable of.
“There’s not many players that play like Adam. He is unique in that way, how he links the play. He’s so good on the ball, he’s got a great work ethic and he still does the defensive work.
“We have missed him in the sense of what he brings to the team. It would have been a boost to have had him at the World Cup. And for Liverpool too.
“Last season would have been even better for both teams because of the talent that he is.
“But if he stays fit he can be a massive player for us going forward and still have a big impact.”
