Henderson after scoring the opening goal last night
The ‘Balotelli incident’ couldn’t seem further away, at the moment, after Jordan Henderson’s recent example of how a captain should play and long may it continue that way.
Against Burnley, in the week, Henderson showed that he has all the attributes to replace Gerrard as captain (if not to replace Gerrard the player), as he scored the opening goal and set one up. The previous game, against Man City, ended with a goal of the month contender for the midfielder, who pushed closer to the target that the manager set him at the start of the season.
With Liverpool playing Blackburn in the FA Cup quarter-final tomorrow, it’s possible that Henderson may be rested (though unlikely) for the Premier League games ahead but he is now firmly asserting himself as the successor to Gerrard as the club’s captain.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, former Liverpool manager and club legend, Kenny Dalglish, said: “I don’t think anyone can dispute that Jordan Henderson is now one of the mainstays of a Liverpool side that is moving forward.
“And his development has highlighted the importance decisions can play in a player’s career.
“Sometimes, decisions are made that are going to have a huge influence on your career – sometimes for better, other times for worse.
“Jordan’s career, at this particular moment in time, is jogging along fantastically well. So you can say that any decision that has been made up to this point, more often than not, has been right.”
Henderson has come in for a great deal of criticism throughout his career, even drawing ire from a certain former United manager for his posture when running, but the midfielder’s attitude and positivity has begun to shine through, as he has guided Liverpool to an incredible 2015, so far.
Dalglish continued: “But life is all about making decisions and the more you get right the better chance you have of enjoying whatever career you are in.
“What I do know is the most important option open to him, because he had huge ability, was to be a professional footballer.
“He has taken that opportunity. I don’t know if he has reached his own expectations yet.
“I’m sure he has his targets and would like a few more winners medals in his pocket. But I don’t think anybody can dispute his importance in this Liverpool team.”
