Jordan Henderson has revealed how he had talks with Jurgen Klopp over his Liverpool role following the arrival of Fabinho.
The Brazilian was snapped up from Monaco for £39.3million in May 2018 in the aftermath of the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
With Klopp looking to overhaul his midfield, Fabinho was brought in as a defensive midfielder - the position Henderson had occupied for the previous two seasons.
But rather than threaten the skipper's starting role, the Reds boss had different plans.
"A year ago we had a conversation when Fabinho signed," said Henderson. "He was fantastic in that deeper role, definitely one of the best No 6s in the world, and it was an opportunity to move a little further forward.
"That was over a year ago, and since then I’ve played No 6 and No 8 as much as each other. It doesn’t really matter.”
Henderson, speaking to the Guardian, explained how his job in the team has continually changed since Klopp took over in October 2015.
“As time goes on, you learn different things tactically," he added. "I always felt as though my best position was a box-to-box midfielder who could get up and down. Tackle. Work hard. Assist. Get in the box, but do the defensive side. Counter-press.
“When the gaffer came, I changed from wanting to be the player that maybe I thought I was – in terms of doing everything – to focusing on what the team needed.
“When you’re a No 6, you’ve got to be a lot more disciplined. You’ve always got to be thinking about protection, counter-pressing, being aware of the counterattack.
"Ultimately I wanted to become successful. If it meant playing a certain position, that was fine with me."
