Leading up to the new season in 2011, Liverpool began a spending spree that would ultimately cost Kenny Dalglish his job. This included the £17 million signing of England youngster Jordan Henderson, a young man previously linked with a move to Manchester United. The move to Liverpool came with much promise, as he was talked about as a future replacement for Steven Gerrard, and had the weight of a football club placed on him much too early. As with most youngsters who come with a big price tag, he could not take the weight on his shoulders and was succumb to first season syndrome. Could he be blamed for this? No…
In Jordan Henderson’s first season he was put under the spotlight instantly starting a match against his old club Sunderland on the first day of the season. A mixed reception didn’t help for a young lad feeling the heat. Then to add to his growing woes, he was played in a right-wing/ right-midfield position. This did the central-midfielder no favours as he struggled to settle in, he was often caught ball-watching and it looked as if he did not know were to stand. Safe to say the Liverpool faithful were not best pleased. Nevertheless, he kept on playing, finding support from his manager and criticism from the fans. As the season came to a close Liverpool’s iconic manager Kenny Dalglish had a humble ending in his second managerial stint at the club after he was sacked upon finishing 8th in the premier league.
Brendan Rodgers was brought in by the American owners and the talk of a change at the club would have probably sent shivers down the Englishman’s neck. He very well could be out of the club as soon as he was in and the big club that could have made his career would have passed him by. This would have tormented Henderson right up until the first transfer window of Rodgers’ reign where the lad was made a scapegoat in a swap deal for Clint Dempsey. If Henderson had agreed to the move, he was gone. He said “no”, as he insisted he needed time to prove himself to Rodgers. It was most likely the best decision he will have ever made.
Fast-forward to this season and just as he said, Jordan Henderson has proved his worth to the Liverpool manager in so many ways while becoming a key starting player. This season, I’ve found myself going from worrying when he is in the team to worrying when he is out of it. What has he done differently? Nothing. The remedy to Henderson’s lacklustre form was pure hard work and dedication to improve his craft.
Saying this, one of the keys to why he gets in the team ahead of most Liverpool midfielders barring Captain Fantastic, is his eagerness to play for the team. He will cover every blade of grass if it means Liverpool will win and this type of dedication will go a long way to bringing him and his club success. The other major factor in the 23-year-old’s rise is his quality. In terms of his passing and shooting he has greatly improved. In his passing, he often finds his man and this has always been a trait of his. The confidence in his abilities is what has changed in him – he finally believes he belongs in the team. In terms of shooting, his return is not that great. Though compared to our other mid fielders it is good enough – for now.
What does the future hold for Jordan Henderson? At 23 years old he can only improve. It is looking increasingly likely that he will be playing Champions League football next year as his club is legitimate contenders for the Premier League crown.
Until now he has a career to be proud of; not bad for someone who can’t run properly, eh, Sir Alex?
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