Jordan Henderson will lead Liverpool in the absence of injured captain Steven Gerrard…
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has told reporters that it will be an honour to captain the Reds in the absence of Steven Gerrard, starting with today’s crucial FA Cup clash against Crystal Palace.
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Henderson, who was quoted by Liverpool’s official website, explained: “It is an incredible feeling to lead Liverpool out, such a huge club.
“Just to put the shirt on and play for Liverpool is a massive honour. So to captain the side is incredible. It was a great feeling for me to do that, and hopefully I can do that whenever I’m needed.”
Henderson endured a difficult first season on Merseyside, but has thrived over the last two years, becoming a key player for Brendan Rodgers’ side, stepping into the role of vice-captain at the start of this season.
“Things change quickly in football – I always thought and knew that,” the 24-year-old continued.
“I have just tried to stay focused on what I need to do as a player, for me personally and also the team. I continue to just keep working as hard as possible.
“Hopefully, when I’m needed to lead the team out – as I have done this season at times – I make sure I’m doing it to the best of my ability. Learning a lot from Stevie has really helped me do that.”
Henderson has been widely tipped to take over the armband from Gerrard on a permanent basis, once our iconic skipper departs for LA Galaxy at the end of the season, something he admits he’d love to do.
“If it does come, obviously I would love to do it,” he said. “But at the same time, we have got plenty of leaders in the group that could take the job on.
“That’s just up to the manager’s decision on what he wants to do. My focus in on this season and playing my best for the team, to do the best that we can.
“Whether that’s winning trophies or kicking on in the Premier League to get into the top four for the Champions League, that’s all I’m focused on and then next season we’ll just see where we’re at.”