The Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Super Cup, Club World Cup and Community Shield. Seven available trophies for a Premier League captain to win, seven won by Jordan Henderson. He won it all, he took Liverpool to heights they had never reached before, but this morning, the legendary captain announced that he would be leaving the club after a wonderful twelve year spell. This article will take a look back at the defining moments in Henderson’s Liverpool career, presenting him as a true Liverpool legend.
Taking the Captaincy
Henderson took the captaincy from Steven Gerrard in 2015, a role which came with immense pressure. Taking over from Liverpool’s most influential captain in their modern history was going to be a challenge. However, in partnership with Jurgen Klopp, Henderson helped to transform Liverpool into one of the most successful teams in the world between 2018-2023.
Developing into a role model both on and off the pitch, Henderson quickly became vital to the success of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team.
Trophies
Every Liverpool captain between 1991 and 2018 dreamt of being the man to end the wait and lift a Premier League trophy. Jordan Henderson was that man. In the 2019/20 season, Henderson led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years. He was brilliant in the season, scoring 4 goals and adding 5 assists in 30 Premier League games. The midfielder was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the season and was once again, the perfect role model both on the pitch and off the pitch with his campaign to help the NHS through the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The season before the magical Premier League title, Henderson was part of the Liverpool team that delivered ‘number 6’ in Madrid. After heartbreak in the 2018 Champions League Final against Real Madrid, Liverpool travelled to the same city to face Spurs in the 2019 Final. The Reds won the game 2-0 and the first European trophy win since 2005 catalysed a period of immense success for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Once again, Henderson was crucial to the Champions League run, brilliant in the final, and rewarded with the honour to lift the club’s 6th Champions League title.
Henderson completed the set by winning the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022. Added to his Super Cup, Club World Cup and Community Shield wins, he became the first Liverpool captain to win seven different trophies. His influence in all these trophy wins enhance his legendary status. Contributing 33 goals and 58 assists in 492 appearances, the midfielder will be regarded as one of the most important players in the club’s recent history.
Influence off the pitch
Henderson was not just a captain on the pitch. He led by example in the community too. As mentioned, he was an important figure in football during Covid-19, offering his empathy and support to the NHS. He was involved in the local community too, in schools, hospitals and more, showing that the role of club captain encompasses far more than the ‘on the pitch’ duties.
Tributes from Players and the Manager
Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to the longest serving captain in his managerial career, his message can be seen below on Liverpool’s Twitter page.
Nearly every member of the Liverpool squad has paid tribute to Henderson, all describing him as a ‘captain, leader, legend’. The tributes won’t stop for Henderson, with some fans calling for a testimonial to be arranged for the player.
Henderson himself thanked the club, staff and players in an emotional video this morning. He described Liverpool as the best club in the world, adding that Jurgen Klopp made ‘his dreams come true’.
Henderson will be remembered by Liverpool fans as a true modern great; a captain who won it all, a player who gave 110% every time he stepped on the pitch and the man to lift the trophies that Liverpool fans had dreamt of for years. Only time will tell as to how much Liverpool will miss Henderson, but one thing is for sure, they will miss his leadership, desire and effort that he gave to the club over the last 12 years.
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