scott makes an excellent point about henderson at anfield this season
i remember sunderland out playing us in midfield that day
I somehow doubt it would have happened had Rafa or Kenny been our manager. Even with Spearing and Shelvey as our main midfielders.
My first choice midfield for next season would be
Lucas
Gerrard Meireles
Henderson rotated with Meireles , Shelvey with Gerrard and Jay with Lucas(he has shown it this season he is good enough to play as a stand alone DM). Gerrard and Meireles are not exactly spring chickens and you expect Henderson and Shelvey to make the step up in a few years to become our main midfielders.
I don't know where Adam fits into all this but if you ask me , he is more suited as a part of the 2 in a Rafa style 4-2-3-1 formation , operating as the deep lying playmaker with a dedicated DM(Lucas) playing alongside him.
Good to have options but as I've said before , the playing time for some is going to be reduced. Remains to be seen whether if it works to our advantage or we end up with dissatisfied players in the squad.