Staff at Liverpool are convinced that Jordan Henderson is the ideal player for youngsters at the club to look up to.
That’s according to The Athletic. They claim that staff see the Liverpool captain as being the ‘perfect role model’ for younger players.
Because of his ‘ethics’ and ‘how he leads his life,’ Liverpool reportedly believe the 32-year-old is the best guide for less experienced colleagues.
Henderson is now into his eighth season as captain at Anfield. Having led Liverpool to Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup success, he is one of the club’s most decorated skippers.
Henderson contributing on and off the pitch
Liverpool fans know how much Jurgen Klopp places on having strong characters in his team. The likes of Henderson and James Milner may not be the absolute best players, but they’re excellent leaders.
But every now and again, Henderson shows that, actually, he’s not too shabby with the ball at his feet either.
One such moment arrived last night. His beautiful pass for Mohamed Salah – which Rio Ferdiand called ‘phenomenal’ – helped Liverpool break the deadlock against Ajax.
Such moments go to show that in fact, there’s perhaps an argument that the former Sunderland man is severely underrated.
It can be easy to pigeon-hole him as an outstanding leader and nothing else. But that would be a mistake. You don’t play for a club like Liverpool for as long as Henderson has, and win what he has won, if you’re not top quality.
It isn’t as though the England vice-captain has been a bit-part player either. The role of captain isn’t one for show. He’s legitimately been a key player in the Klopp era.
Henderson’s combination of footballing ability coupled with steadfast leadership is a rare one. Even if Liverpool do bring in a midfielder or two in the coming transfer windows, their captain should stick around.
Whether he’s contributing on the pitch or not, he’s well worth his place in the squad.
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