Jordan Henderson is widely tipped to be the new captain of Liverpool Football Club. His leadership skills have developed since he joined the Reds in 2011. In Steven Gerrard’s absence, the vice-captain took responsibility and had led the team from the front numerous times. The 25-year-old has also chipped in with some vital goals so I decided to list his top five goals for Liverpool.
5) v Notts County, August 2013
It was the League Cup second round and Notts County had taken the Reds to extra-time. Henderson started the match as a substitute but came on midway through the second half in place of Joe Allen. Liverpool managed to take the lead in extra-time but Henderson helped to consolidate the victory with a very well-taken goal. He picked up a pass from Jordon Ibe, advanced towards goal, nutmegging an oncoming defender on the way before slotting clinically past the ‘keeper.
4) v Norwich City, January 2013
Liverpool hammered Norwich City 5-0 and Henderson started things off with a brilliant strike. Luis Suarez was making a nuisance of himself in front of the Canaries’ defence before the bouncing ball fell in front of Henderson. The former Sunderland player judged the bounce of the ball perfectly and struck a classy volley into the back of the net.
3) v Swansea City February 2014
This was an entertaining league match against Brendan Rodgers’ old club. Henderson scored Liverpool’s second goal after Daniel Sturridge had spotted him in a central position. The England international took one touch to lay the ball off for himself before bending a superb, accurate strike into the top corner and out of Michel Vorm’s reach.
2) v Burnley, March 2015
Burnley were frustrating the Reds with a stubborn defence but a moment of magic from Henderson broke the deadlock. Brazilian Philippe Coutinho’s shot was blocked and it broke out to the vice-captain who was around 22 yards from goal. Running in at speed, Henderson caught the volley sweetly, slightly reminiscent of that famous Steven Gerrard volley against Olympiakos.
1) v Man City, March 2015
It was a crucial match against the champions and it was the captain (in Gerrard’s absence) who opened the scoring again. Liverpool were advancing with the ball and Raheem Sterling moved the ball out wide to Henderson. He was face-to-face with Fernandinho, he side-stepped him to make space and then hit a fantastic shot into the top corner. Anfield exploded. His celebration was that of an assured, confident leader.
Here’s to more goals like these from the energetic midfielder.
