Before Liverpool capitulated so miserably in the second half of last season there was an air of expectancy that a certain quartet would bear the brunt of responsibility.
Four players publically berated in the media would become the ultimate scapegoats on the Kop.
Collectively – as if they were one single entity – they represented the club’s failings.
After such a bright finish to the previous campaign, when the man proclaimed as the ‘King’ returned to the dugout, dragged the side from a dire 12th position under Roy Hodgson to a promising sixth-placed finish and did so with the team in scintillating form, greener pastures ahead were envisaged.
In a bid to prolong the momentum and begin a potential Reds revival, £78.5 million potentially rising to £84.5 million was spent on four players.
The foursome comprises of Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.
When a promising start to the campaign started to wane, the team plummeted into a rut of relegation type form.
Whilst others in the team escaped vehement criticism, the quartet was not so fortunate.
Liverpool was left red-faced; the supporters having to depressingly accept the ignominy of their failed transfer dealings.
Fast-forward twelve months and there have been some distinctive changes at the club.
Charlie Adam was swiftly ousted from the club when Brendan Rodgers was instated as the new boss at Anfield.
Only two of the four remain with the club – three technically, but serious doubts remain over whether Carroll has a future on Merseyside after his season-long loan finishes at West Ham in three weeks time – and what a difference a year in football can make.
By no means has Downing been hailed as stunning left-winger, but his work ethic and scoring involvement has improved dramatically.
However, not hard to better considering the 28-year-old failed to register a solitary goal or assist last term.
The misguided spending spree would always afford the youngest member of the group time and patience.
After all Henderson was a superb performer for Sunderland during his two full seasons in the first-team.
He became the Black Cats’ most creative midfielder in 2010-11, providing a grand total of 82 opportunities for his teammates – 38 more than the next best player.
Henderson had a better chance creation rate than the likes of Nani, David Silva and Leighton Baines that year.
It forced heavyweights Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea to make serious inquiries for his services.
Bestowed with the honour of captaining the Under 21’s England side was yet another reason why so many held the young man in such high regard.
The stage was set for the born and bred youth academy graduate to leave home and make a strong impact with an iconic football club.
But rather than seize the moment, the youngster produced a meek response.
Tentative, overawed and feeble were words associated with the overall performance level of Liverpool’s £20 million capture.
The weight of expectation and that unrelenting echo of his excessive price-tag perpetuated Henderson’s lack of guile in midfield.
The only saving grace was his age and the fraught term of ‘potential’, in an environment and with a club desperate for immediate results.
What a transformation Liverpool’s midfielder has made under the guidance of Rodgers.
He has been a commanding presence during some of the team’s brightest displays, but Rodgers’ has made him really earn his stripes.
After making 31 starts last term, Henderson has been limited to just 13 and a further 14 substitute appearances.
The tactic of starving him of time on the pitch has worked to great effect.
Liverpool’s tenacious midfielder – note the drastic change in reference – is gradually becoming one of the league’s most efficient central lynchpins.
For every 142 minutes, Henderson has scored either a goal or provided an assist – only four players can better that ratio this season.
Last weekend his industrious display against Newcastle was epitomised by a remarkable 95% pass completion rate, to add to a brace and assist.
Henderson may not reserve the right to be called a ‘game-changer’ in Liverpool’s ranks – a young Brazilian has firmly assumed that title – but he is quickly imposing himself on proceedings.
Rodgers will be ecstatic with the youngster’s improvement, and may have to think about granting him a more regular role if he continues his strong performances.
Murmurs of a forced exit have now been dispelled for a player who has continually stated his desire to win trophies for Liverpool.
Henderson has moved out of the shadows of the burdened quartet and is starting to become his own man.
The 22-year-old may not be a direct replacement for the ageing Steven Gerrard, but if he remains at Anfield when the club legend retires his name instead could be the one being sung on the terraces.
