Midfielder to replace Steven Gerrard as club captain
Liverpool have confirmed Jordan Henderson as their new captain, after Steven Gerrard’s departure to LA Galaxy.
Henderson was vice-captain to former England star Gerrard at Anfield last season.
However, the club struggled to stay near the top, and eventually missed out on the Champions League places.
Now, with the inspirational Gerrard gone Stateside, Henderson is set to lead the club as skipper.
The news of Henderson’s promotion comes three years after he turned down a move to Fulham in a bid to win the trust of Reds manager Brendan Rodgers.
Club Statements
After being announced the club’s new captain, he said to the club’s official website: “I’m absolutely delighted and proud. It is a great honour and a huge privilege to be named as the captain of this football club.
“When Steven [Gerrard] wasn’t in the team last season, I tried to do the best I could when I stepped in and took the armband. Now I’ll be looking to carry that on and continue to grow as a captain.
“I’ll look to give my best all of the time, put the team firmly first and try to give them – or help them with – whatever they need from me.”
Rodgers also spoke to the club’s website and had this to say: “Jordan is someone who leads through example – through his actions, attitude and application. He shows total commitment to the game and is a role model professional.
“He is also greatly respectful of the great traditions associated with being Liverpool captain and the responsibilities that come with it. He has been blessed to learn first-hand from one of the greatest the club has ever had, in Steven Gerrard.
“Jordan has grown as a person and as a player since arriving at Liverpool and is ready to take up this challenge. He will be his own person, with his own style of leadership and his own ideas and methods.”
Liverpool Look Ahead
The club are heading off on a pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia this weekend, and are expected to officially announce the captaincy news before then.
The Reds are aiming to bounce back as they bid for a first Premier League title next term.
There is a fresh look to Liverpool‘s midfield next term, with Henderson being joined by new arrival James Milner and Emre Can, who is expected to be pushed further forward this season.
Boss Rodgers is said to be considering his options before making a decision on a new vice-captain.
by Steve Osborne
