Jordan Henderson: Liverpool's most influential player this season

Jordan Henderson

A young lad, doing well for his hometown club, and then being labelled one of the biggest prospects in England. Liverpool swooped in for him, and paid a large sum of money for his services. In his first season at the club, he struggled, being played out of position, and seemed out of his depth. Faith in him was beginning to be lost, even by his own manager, who was new at the club, and he almost went to Fulham, as part of an exchange deal for Clint Dempsey.

But, all that is now well and truly a thing of the past for Jordan Henderson. He is having a stellar season with Liverpool, and is now one of Brendan Rodgers’s most influential weapons. Henderson had a tough initiation to life at Anfield, but hours of training, and rigorous hard work, has made him realize his potential, and now, there is not much between Jordan Henderson and a flight to Brazil to leave his mark on the biggest stage of them all, the World Cup.

Henderson has endeared himself to Liverpool fans this season with his tireless running, and desire to work for the cause. However, where he has improved immensely this season, is with his end product. Be it with a pass, or a shot at goal, Henderson finds his target more often than not, and that can only mean good things.

But Henderson’s contribution to Brendan Rodgers’s way of football goes far beyond his 3 goals and 6 assists this season. Henderson has developed an astute tactical awareness, and has complimented Steven Gerrard beautifully in Liverpool’s midfield. While Gerrard sprays his passes all over the park, Henderson covers ground, trying to get in behind the opposition’s defense, and also trying to thwart the opposition.

Henderson Stats Comparison

Henderson’s lung bursting runs from deep have prompted opposition teams to give more space to Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, and that has resulted in total devastation, with the SAS partnership piling on the goals. Henderson has also displayed the leadership qualities that had made him captain of England’s U21 team.

Henderson has played every minute of every game this season, and that indicates his importance to this Liverpool side. Henderson’s Liverpool career has in many ways, resembled that of Lucas Leiva. Lucas arrived at Anfield as one of Brazil’s brightest prospects, and found life so tough at Anfield, that he was booed by his own fans. But Lucas has gone from there, to being a fan favourite now.

Henderson has had a fantastic season so far, but his career has only begun, and Liverpool will be looking for far more from their midfielder, as they aim to replace their outstanding captain Steven Gerrard. Henderson is on his way to getting there, but knows that more hard work and desire will be essential.