'Still a world-class team' - Jordan Henderson backs Liverpool to find form despite helping Brentford condemn Reds to fourth successive defeat

Henderson continued his fine form in 2025-26 with an impressive display against Liverpool on Saturday evening. After joining Keith Andrews’ side on a free transfer in the summer, the 35-year-old produced another brilliant performance to help his team secure all three points at the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford forwards Ouattara, Schade and Thiago were all on the scoresheet for the hosts, with Liverpool unable to find an equaliser after goals from Milos Kerkez and Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool have now suffered four straight defeats in the league, and five losses in their last six games in all competitions, after coming unstuck against an in-form Brentford side who are currently 10th in the table and just two points behind Arne Slot’s men. The Merseysiders have also lost to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea and Manchester United during their worrying run, but while questions are now being asked of their title credentials, Henderson has backed his former paymasters to recapture the form which saw them win their first seven games this season.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the Brentford game, Henderson said: “Liverpool are a world-class team with world-class players. You look all over the pitch, there's not much to go at, they're all quality players. I don't really see a weakness in the team.

"Yes, I know there's been results of late that haven't been great for them but, for me, they're still top players and a top, top team and it's just a matter of time before they get in a rhythm and get going.

"I think there's been a lot of reasons why they haven't hit the heights from last year but they're still a world-class team and wherever you look on the pitch there's to players, so it's always going to be difficult.

“But the [Brentford] lads dug deep, stuck together and caused some problems on the counter.

"I thought from start to finish we stuck together. We knew it would be difficult at times. The way we defended together, the way we stayed composed on the ball and try to, rather than just kick it forward at times, it's trying to play the long ball in behind to someone running in, like Dams (Mikkel Damsgaard) did for Kev (Schade) on the second goal.

"And [Igor] Thiago was a threat all night and he’s been like that all season to be fair. We've got a lot of good players on the counter-attack with the front three. We've got people like Dams, Yarmo (Yehor Yarmolyuk) and the centre-halves who can pick passes as well.

"Overall, I think it was a really good performance and we deserved the win in the end."

Saturday’s clash was the first time Henderson had faced Liverpool following his departure in 2023. After joining the club from Sunderland in 2011, the midfielder spent 12 seasons at Anfield before his heavily-criticised move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. Henderson made just 19 appearances in the Middle East before switching to Ajax in January 2024, featuring 57 times before leaving in the summer.

Reflecting on his Liverpool exit, Henderson said earlier this month: "Timing, with everything in hindsight, yes - maybe I would have made different decisions. But at the time that's how I felt and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know them reasons.

"I am not going to lie, over the past couple of years I have had some tough moments. It felt like a break-up when I left Liverpool. Of course I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes in the past. Of course I will have throughout my career.

"But all I've ever tried to do is the right thing.”

Brentford, who have won three of their last four games, will be looking to maintain their fine form when they travel to Manchester United’s conquerers Grimsby Town in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Liverpool are aiming to get back on track ahead of a trio of home games in three competitions. Slot’s men play host to Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before taking on Aston Villa three days later in the league. They will then entertain Real Madrid in the Champions League on 4 November, with former Reds midfielder and current Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso set to return to Anfield.