Liverpool recently offloaded Danish stalwart Daniel Agger to Brondby in a cut-price £3 million deal. The two-club man spent 8 years at Liverpool and was their first choice centre back despite having to endure niggling injuries throughout his career. An amazing footballer known for building up attacks from the behind, and even scoring the odd screamer, yet not afraid to put in an adventurous tackle, Agger was a huge part of Liverpool’s game when he was at his prime. He was loyal to the club and a massive presence in the dressing room. His departure was sad news to every Liverpool fan but it was a good decision for the club’s ambitions on moving forward nevertheless. His role at the centre of the defence will be taken over by the powerful Frenchman Mamadou Sakho and the swashbuckling Croatian Dejan Lovren, with the eccentric but prolific Martin Skrtel also in waiting. However, the replacement for Agger’s vice captain command is yet to be seen. In this piece we shall discuss some of the major choices.
Liverpool’s Vice Captain Choices
Martin Skrtel
Skrtel’s is a curious player. As solid as rock, he was amazingly consistent last season with respect to his defensive contribution, but then he managed to score 4 own goals, which is awful. However, as many times as he has put in the wrong net, he scored almost twice that, scoring 7 goals in the league. Not only is that a lot for a defender, they also came at important situations, scoring 4 goals versus the rest of the top 3 sides (2 vs Arsenal, 1 vs Chelsea, 1 vs Manchester City). Here since 2008, Skrtel is also one of the longest serving players in the current Liverpool squad, making a good case for him to be a vice captain. However, when it comes to leading the line, he isn’t the most dominant voice in directing the defence.
Adam Lallana
Lallana was brought into the Liverpool side for an amount of £25 million, which is considered an overrated amount by most experts, pundits and supporters. However, Lallana is a player who has been consistently excellent in the past two Premier League campaign, and scored 9 while assisting 6 more last season. These are exciting stats as a wide player. Comparisons have been drawn with Stewart Downing who came in for a similar amount at a similar age and turned out to be a flop. However, Downing was a one-dimensional player who could get the ball all the way wide, and will either produce a cross, or will cut inside and shoot. Lallana is a much more unpredictable and creative force. Now at the age of 26, he’s entering his prime. He has also exhibited captaincy qualities at Southampton; he was their club captain and is widely known as being one of the key leaders in the Southampton dressing room over the course of their meteoric rise. His level of playing, age and leadership abilities therefore make a good case for him to be a vice captain. However, this being his first season, it may not be the best idea to shower him with responsibilities already. It may hamper his transition into the side as well as put a lot of pressure on him.
Lucas Leiva
Should it be some years back, Lucas would be the obvious choice for vice captain. Brought in originally as an attacking midfielder in 2007, the former Gremio man grew into a much stronger and efficient ball winning defensive midfielder. Injuries have hampered his progress, but his determination has earned him the status of a fan favourite at the Kop. On his day, he’s one of the best holding midfielders in the league; and his days come quite often if given a good run. His service is the second longest in the club after club captain Steven Gerrard and he’s also in his prime. These make a good case for him to be a vice captain. However, the recent modulation of Gerrard into a regista role, along with the inclusion of Emre Can (who has been extremely sharp on a side-note) has reduced game time for Lucas. He must first break into the side before being handed the vice captaincy responsibilities, or it would be a la Daniel Agger all over again.
Jordan Henderson
Henderson’s transformation from scapegoat to one of the most crucial players in the starting XI has been one of the most remarkable moments of the last few years in English football. Brought in for a heavy £16million in 2011, the then 21 year old Englishman was pressurized to perform like a world class player in an alien position. Henderson still put in a job, but when Liverpool’s overall woeful play was discussed, Henderson was targeted. Henderson was allowed to go to Fulham when Rodgers took charge, but he vowed to stay and fight. Fast forward a couple of years, Henderson has become Liverpool’s engine. His performances versus West Bromwich Albion at home, Tottenham Hotspurs away and Swansea City at home have been the highlights of a fantastic season he had. Liverpool went as far as to losing the title because they missed Henderson’s energy and pressing while he was suspended for the ultimate three games. Only 24, there is still time for him to reach the peak, but ‘Hendo’ has already portrayed a lot of leadership qualities in him. He’s improving more by the day, and started adding goals to his game. Henderson’s determination, dedication and leadership make a good case for him to be the vice captain. And in this Liverpool side, he is the best choice currently.
Honorable Mentions for Liverpool’s Vice Captain Dilemma:
Dejan Lovren
Glen Johnson
Mamadou Sakho
Rickie Lambert
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