Jordan Henderson turns 25 today. Our captain in waiting has already made close to 200 appearances for the Reds, since joining us from Sunderland in 2011, and is quickly becoming one of the most popular members of our squad.
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The England international, who is rapidly approaching the ‘peak years’ of his career, will be looking to push on again during our next campaign and establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Before he does just that, let’s take a look back at some of his bets moments in a Liverpool shirt thus far. Thank you to our fellow Liverpool bloggers at This Is Anfield for the countdown:
Debut
Henderson made his Liverpool debut against former club Sunderland, after signing for Kenny Dalglish at the start of the season. The game finished 1-1, with Luis Suarez both scoring and missing a penalty. Sebastian Larsson bagged a late equaliser for the visitors on his Black Cats debut.
First goal
Henderson scored in just his third Premier League appearance for the Reds, against Bolton Wanderers. Charlie Adam also scored his first goal for the Reds in a 3-1 win, while Martin Skrtel got the other. New Liverpool signing Adam Bogdan was among the visitors substitutes.
Winner
Less than six months later, Henderson was picking up his first piece of silverware as a Liverpool player, with the Reds beating Cardiff City on penalties in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley. Henderson was withdrawn after 58 minutes, with the Reds 1-0 down. Martin Skrtel and Dirk Kuyt scored for us, while Glen Johnson rolled in the winning penalty after Ben Turner had scored a 118th minute equaliser for the underdogs.
Back from the brink
Henderson was reportedly told that he could leave the club at the start of the 2012-13 season, following the arrival of Brendan Rodgers as manager – Fulham were believed to be among those interested. However, Hendo stayed and vowed to fight for his place and has subsequently reaped the rewards. I think we can all agree that it was the right decision.
North East glory
Jordan continued to improve that season and the highlight was perhaps a crushing 6-0 victory away at Newcastle. The result will have been extra special to Henderson, who will have been part of several hard-fought North East derbies during his time with Sunderland. Hendo scored twice, as did new signing Daniel Sturridge, while Daniel Agger and Fabio Borini (yes, really) also got their names on the scoresheet. Luis Suarez was banned.
Spurs smashed
On route to a second place finish in the Premier League, Henderson was integral to one of our most memorable performances of recent years. The midfielder set up Suarez for for the opening goal before doubling the lead himself. We’d eventually get five in total, with Jon Flanagan and Raheem Sterling also finding the net before Suarez completed the rout.
Swansea thriller
February 2014 saw another crazy fixture take place at Anfield. Sturridge and Henderson fired us into what looked a comfortable lead before former Liverpool man Jonjo Shelvey and a Martin Skrtel own goal drew the visitors level. Sturridge made it 3-2 before Wilfried Bony scored from the spot. Thankfully, it was Henderson who would have the final say, netting the winner 16 minutes from time.
Proving the doubters wrong
This season, Henderson has become more than just a box-to-box midfielder. He’s become the calming influence we’ve needed, with his passing abilities regularly proving people wrong. His stunning through-ball to Sterling allowed his teammate to score Liverpool’s first goal of the season at home to Southampton, before he set his teammate again against Tottenham a week later.
The master’s apprentice
This season has also seen him take over the vice-captains role. He’s been working closely with Steven Gerrard for the last year as the veteran prepared his teammate to takeover the role from him. Surely, he can be the only viable candidate to wear the armband from now on.
A knack for the spectacular
Manchester City. Burnley. Need we say more…