This number, however, is slightly less than Joe Allen, a player who is often seen in Henderson’s shadow. The Welshman’s role is sometimes unclear and he can be guilty of playing within himself, playing simple passes and merely keeping the team ticking over, but these numbers suggest that his effort cannot be faulted. His average distance of 11km per 90 minutes is the third-highest at the club, with the raw, aggressive but often ineffective Fabio Borini in second (11.1km).