On September 15th 2014, Jordan Henderson was announced as vice-captain of Liverpool FC as the post was vacant due to the departure of defender Daniel Agger. But will Henderson automatically become captain when Gerrard leaves? Maybe not if you listen to manager Brendan Rodgers. When asked on two separate occasions if Henderson would make the jump to captaincy he had this to say “He’s an outstanding player and he is developing very well, a great presser of the ball but we will just have to see if he will become captain.”
Jordan began his career at Liverpool when he completed a £20 million transfer from his boyhood club of Sunderland back in 2011 under Kenny Dalglish. Henderson became a regular in the Tyne-side first team under managers Roy Keane and Steve Bruce after a brief loan spell at Coventry City. Unfortunately to some Liverpool fans, Henderson didn’t hit the ground running when he first arrived, taking a little extra time than most supporters felt necessary to settle in.
It took until the title run of last year for Henderson to really find his place, but within that time he was instrumental to the success of the squad during that season. His presence was sorely missed after receiving a 3 match ban after a late red card against Manchester City with four games left in the title race. Henderson missed vital games against Chelsea and Crystal Palace, those games in hindsight cost the Reds their first league triumph in over 24 years.
Throughout last season Henderson lead by example on and off the pitch making him the fans’ favourite to replace out going fan-favourite Agger. At the time of Henderson’s promotion, Rodgers had this to say about his beloved midfielder:
“Jordan is who best represents the values we want to convey both as a team and club”
“Jordan totally game by game and leadership skills delivered are an example to all. This is another great achievement for Jordan in his career as a player for Liverpool and shows the great progress that has been made.”
Gerrard added: “He’s a fantastic player to hand the armband to.”
Henderson is taylormade to pick up the mantel from where Gerrard leaves it as he moves on to the LA Galaxy in the MLS. He’s passionate about the club and protective of his fellow players. Both qualities were there for all to see during a recent bust up in the Capital One Cup semi-final against Chelsea with striker Diego Costa. A real thinker of the game, Henderson possesses the intelligence needed to lead. He continually tries to better himself and work hard during training sessions, he is the ideal candidate moving forward.
So why the reluctance for Rodgers to name the successor to Steven Gerrard? And if not Henderson then who?
Well one disadvantage that Henderson does own is his age. Being 25 years old, when he would become captain, would leave him younger than a lot of the squad. He would be the youngest captain in the Premier League a full 4 years younger than the current youngest captain, Vincent Kompany of Manchester City, who is 29. The average age of a Premier League captain is 31. He also hasn’t been at Liverpool that long, only three and a half years, with limited Champions League experience. So with a club that is aiming for titles and European football every season, Liverpool may look to other players in the squad. Martin Škrtel could be a contender. He has been with the club since 2008, moving from Zenit Saint Petersburg for £6.5 million, registering 207 league appearances as well as two potential title winning seasons of ’09 and ’14. The four time Slovak Footballer of the Year has made Merseyside his home while representing his country in the 2010 World Cup. His out-and-out leadership may come into question though, after a rocky start to this season where Liverpool’s back four were heavily criticised for lack of a leader and the tendency to concede sloppy goals.
Maybe Lucas could be the next captain of Liverpool with Henderson remaining vice-captain. Lucas has been celebrated this season as he continues to command the area in front of the new back three. Often playing alongside Henderson it could be seen as a natural step to allow Henderson to develop under Lucas’ wing. Although Rodgers openly admitted that Lucas could move on in the summer, handing him the armband may mend a broken bridge between to two and symbolise an apology for the lack of faith in his player.
Sturridge could lead the team by example scoring goals and investing his trust within the players around him for the team to succeed. Quiet Sturridge, with his calm demeanour, would emulate current captain Gerrard, and control situations without losing his rag.
Lallana was the captain at Southampton last year and successfully guided his team to promotion a few years back. But if Henderson hasn’t been with the club long enough surely Lallana would be looked over as well?
Maybe, just maybe, the next captain isn’t on the team yet. Maybe that’s why Rodgers has been hesitant to name Henderson captain. Maybe Brendan knows a little more than what he is leading on?
What we do know is that whoever becomes captain of Liverpool Football Club next season in July will certainly have very large Adidas Predator boots to fill. Approaching 700 games, Gerrard has been the definition of a captain, a leader and a mentor to younger players within his time at Anfield, and his presence will be missed within the dressing room so it is imperative that his successor quickly stamps his mark on the squad and make it his own.
