Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp have been all about marginal gains, and it looks like they've found another one.
Here's what Geir Jordet, a football psychology researcher, spotted in the Reds' 2-0 win over Brighton.
"Sometimes, leadership is simply about being aware of potential threats to your teammates & physically present to help," Jordet wrote in his Twitter thread.
"This season, Jordan Henderson has increasingly acted as penalty taker's bodyguard, to protect Mo Salah against opponent mind games. Here's how this plays out.
"Against Brighton, Henderson took up the position to literally cover Salah’s back, so Salah could dedicate his full focus on the penalty kick. One might expect the referee to control these mind game attempts, but he is only one person and often preoccupied elsewhere.
"Being a penalty taker bodyguard also means being ready to get physical if necessary. When Brighton's Neal Maupay attempts to make a move, Henderson is there dealing with him. Drawing attention to yourself can also be good, as it takes attention off the penalty taker.
"This is not Henderson's first time this season. Against Aston Villa and Emi Martinez, he was joined by a crew. The old-school approach is about leaving the penalty taker to protect himself. However, a penalty kick is a psychological team event, and the best act accordingly."
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