Steven Gerrard: Jordan Henderson Worthy Successor As Liverpool Captain

Many are wondering if Jordan Henderson can walk in Steven Gerrard’s shoes. Gerrard believes Henderson is ready to take those first steps.

Gerrard hailed Henderson’s leadership qualities Wednesday and said the 24-year-old has the potential to become a great Liverpool captain, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Gerrard, 34, has been Liverpool’s captain for the last 11-plus years, but his impending departure from the club will open a leadership void on the field, in the dressing room and beyond. Gerrard said Henderson, Liverpool’s current vice-captain, is a worthy successor as captain.

“I certainly believe Jordan has everything you need to be a great captain,” Gerrard said. “He’s a fantastic professional who tries to lead by example in every training session and in every game.

“He has really grown as a player and is improving all the time with experience. He can become a great captain for this club. He’s a fantastic player for me to hand the armband over to. I’ve got great respect for Jordan Henderson and I know everyone else at the club feels the same.”

Henderson impressed Gerrard by overcoming his initial struggles at Liverpool and becoming a key player at Anfield.

“Initially, it was very difficult for Jordan,” Gerrard said. “He was a Sunderland boy and moving to Liverpool was his first time out of the area. It was a big move at a young age.

“Playing for Liverpool, with all the pressure and expectation, is tough. It’s a very demanding club. Jordan stayed and toughed it out. It’s in difficult situations like that you learn a lot about the type of player and the type of character someone is.

“He knuckled down and worked even harder. He’s a true professional and a very strong character. Every day he’s in the gym doing extra work. He doesn’t drink and he looks after himself. He has made a lot of sacrifices to play well for this club.”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers won’t pick a new captain until next summer. If Henderson’s play doesn’t the job on its own, Gerrard’s endorsement certainly will help his case.