If there was one player that has fostered the spirit and unity in the Liverpool dressing room which has propelled the club towards so much success in 2019, look no further than their inspiring skipper Jordan Henderson.
A team striving for perfection that has the perfect blend of balance and control. The European champions are so unamused by anything thrown at them yet are still so ruthless and unforgiving to their opponents.
The Liverpool captain epitomises these traits. It’s very uncommon to see a team so dominant on the world stage whose captain continues to be underrated and under-appreciated. From almost being sold in a swap deal for Clint Dempsey to captaining the best club in the world, switching play, being aggressive and embodying this side with his energy, Henderson is someone who falls into the category of irreplaceable figure for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates with his team mates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sheffield United at Anfield on January 02, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Henderson, 29, has faced a seemingly endless battle to win over his doubters during an Anfield career that is well into its ninth season. The former Sunderland midfielder recently became the first English captain to lift the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in the same year
However, anyone questioning his unwavering desire and effort for the team would be underlooking one of the most underrated players currently in the Premier League. After being reinvented by Klopp as a holding midfielder during the German’s first few years on Merseyside, Henderson was recently let off the lead last season and given a licence to go forward.
After being riddled by injury in recent times, Henderson has since been an ever-present figure in Klopp’s world-conquering team. The Reds’ skipper has featured in 19 of Liverpool’s 20 Premier League matches so far this season.
Henderson is not only making up the numbers but is flourishing as the commanding midfielder in Liverpool’s dynamic midfield trio. Anyone criticising the England international lack of adventure has clearly not been looking closely.
He has been outstanding for Liverpool and one of their standout players of the season so far. Henderson settled the Manchester City contest after his whipped inviting cross for Sadio Mane sealed the 3-1 victory over the Premier League holders at Anfield.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sheffield United at Anfield on January 2, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Henderson produced a MOTM performance in his most recent league outing following Liverpool’s 2-0 victory against Sheffield United on Thursday. The Champions League-winning captain had a 92 per cent passing accuracy against the Blades, he made 12 ball recoveries, created four chances and produced 14 passes into the final third.
Runaway leaders in the Premier League, and preparing for another exciting last-16 knockout tie against Atletico Madrid, these are indeed exciting times to be a Kopite.
The heartbeat of this team is Liverpool’s selfless and inspirational captain. With a squad glistening with world-class talent, Henderson still sets the bar ridiculously high. Having lifted the club’s sixth European Cup, Henderson’s name will sit proudly alongside the illustrious likes of sits alongside Emlyn Hughes, Phil Thompson, Graeme Souness and of course his predecessor Steven Gerrard.