Analysing Idea of Jordan Henderson Replacing Steven Gerrard as Liverpool Captain

In the wake of Steven Gerrard's decision to leave Liverpool for LA Galaxy this summer, Jordan Henderson's role as his successor as captain at the club has been talked up.

The official Liverpool website and local newspaper have featured quotes from Gerrard and manager Brendan Rodgers on why Henderson will be a "great captain" (via The Liverpool Echo).

"He's a fantastic professional who tries to lead by example in every training session and in every game," says Gerrard.

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Rodgers has spoke about how Henderson has had a perfect captain to learn from Gerrard. "This is an opportunity now for the players within to really go and step forward as this is it, come the end of the season he won’t be here," said Rodgers (via The Liverpool Echo).

Henderson's rise to Liverpool captain under Rodgers is a stark contrast to when the Northern Irishman first arrived at the club and was willing to allow him to leave for Fulham (as per Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph).

Since then, Henderson has been a key man under Rodgers, although often becoming somewhat of a victim of his own versatility and work ethic which has seen him play in various positions, deputising out wide, at full-back and even as what Rodgers described as a "false winger."

Henderson's importance to the side was underlined more than ever in the final three games of last season, following his late dismissal against Manchester City. Rodgers, and Liverpool fans, must still wonder to this day how things may have played out had Henderson not been unavailable for those games against Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

What has been apparent with Henderson is, first, he is much more effective in a central role (evidenced more than ever by the recent games where he's been shifted wide to accommodate Gerrard in the middle). And secondly, his best games have been when used as a more attacking midfielder.

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See both Tottenham games last season (especially the 5-0 thrashing when used behind Luis Suarez, making excellent runs into the box and pressing high up the pitch). Another highlight of Henderson's season was his two goals in the 4-3 win over Swansea City—that was a very Gerrard-like performance from the Sunderland-born midfielder.

Admittedly, Henderson isn't quite as well known for his goalscoring as Gerrard was at the same age, but there is one remarkable statistic that was unearthed this week which you may not have expected:

"

Brilliant stat from @neiljonesecho. Henderson has 16 goals in 159 games for #LFC. Gerrard after 159 games? Yep, 16: http://t.co/7Il0bZNYgC

— Kristian Walsh (@Kristian_Walsh) January 7, 2015"

In pre-season, Rodgers set Henderson a target of getting 10 goals this season (as per LFC's official tour website). "This year we're asking him to get more into the box," claimed Rodgers. That's something that has been with varied success so far, claiming just two Premier League goals but used in defensive roles and not as the attacking, or even box-to-box midfielder that Henderson suits best.

It may be that Rodgers looks to release Henderson into a more offensive and leading role once Gerrard does move on.

Liverpool's Last 10 Captains (via LFC History)

	Appointed
Alan Hansen	1989
Ronnie Whelan / Steve Nicol	1990
Mark Wright	1991
Ian Rush	1993
John Barnes	1996
Paul Ince	1997
Jamie Redknapp	1999
Sami Hyypia / Robbie Fowler	2000
Sami Hyypia	2002
Steven Gerrard	2003

Two things stand out from the list above; first, the quality of names on it, mostly legendary and iconic Liverpool players; second, how often the captaincy changed hands during the turbulent 90s decade before landing with Gerrard in 2003.

Since then, Gerrard has gone on to captain Liverpool more times than any former Liverpool player (eclipsing Ron Yeats' record).

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Henderson is relatively young at 24 years old to take over the Liverpool captaincy, although not as young as Gerrard, who was handed the armband aged just 23. Gerrard took over from another Anfield legend, Sami Hyypia.

Will Henderson be capable of raising his game to be listed among those aforementioned names? Icons of the club? Right now, it's hard to judge but he would need to be helped by his manager in order to do so—allowing him to influence from the middle, playing him in a regular role rather than finding his role changed week to week.

Henderson has displayed a growing maturity and leadership, he certainly has a strong professional ethic, as explained by the Echo's Neil Jones:

"

Those who know Henderson speak of a strong mentality, a dedication to his profession, and this will be tested thoroughly. He doesn’t drink, he trains hard and he is a popular figure in the dressing room. Off the pitch, he is settled with a young family.

"

Gerrard's presence is perhaps daunting for a player like Henderson (and other youngsters at the club). He's a player enjoying great admiration. Without him around, Liverpool's youngsters will have to step up and take responsibility themselves—no more looking for Gerrard to rescue them or lead them.

Henderson has the attributes but isn't quite the name you'd associate with the Liverpool captaincy yet. He needs help from his manager and his teammates to ensure he gets to keep the armband and impact the side as he would like.