How Liverpool's Jordan Henderson is beginning to grow into his new holding midfield role

By grvadmin

Jordan Henderson. An English midfielder born and bred in Sunderland, who started his career playing for his boyhood club. Although the Black Cats are a decent Premier League side, it was always clear that the 26-year-old was always going to outgrow the Stadium of Light, and move onto bigger and better things.

A big-money move to Liverpool came to fruition in 2011, when Henderson had just got out of his teenage years – highlighting just how capable of a player the current #14 is. In his first few years at Anfield, he struggled, but the last couple has seen his stock rise dramatically, and although he is often under-appreciated, he’s a top class player when utilised correctly.

He always gets an awful lot of stick from the England fans, and that’s often anger that is misplaced on his doorstep. Let’s be honest here, how many of our Three Lions squad have performed anywhere near good enough at international level? Exactly.

Under Jurgen Klopp, we’ve seen a rejuvenated Henderson, who has taken to his new holding midfielder role like a duck to water, and is a real lynchpin in Liverpool’s new-look side under their passionate German manager.

The biggest key to his successes has to be the absolute tank of an engine that he has. Jordan Henderson will cover every blade of grass from first minute right through to the last, which is vital to Klopp’s high-pressing game.

Things changed dramatically when Henderson was named Liverpool’s permanent captain. This was a real show of faith in a man who has often received plenty of stick. Personally, I think it changed him – and for the better. It made him believe in his own abilities, and although he’s not the name that you’ll rush to get on the back of your jersey, every team needs a player like Jordan Henderson.

Winning the midfield battle is often viewed as the key to success in modern day football, and in a midfield pair, this man is perfect for the job as he does a job on both sides of the ball. He has that aforementioned engine, but on top of that he loves a tackle, and he doesn’t shirk any responsibility.

When going forward he always offers himself as an outlet, and more often than not he will pick the right pass, which I believe is an underrated part of his game by the way. He also is a willing runner, and he won’t be afraid to try and beat his man if the opportunity arises.

Jurgen Klopp is certainly building something special at Liverpool, and Jordan Henderson is a vital cog in his starting line-up. At this juncture, you’re just unsure as to whether which side will turn up. The one that hammers Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, or the side that loses 2-0 away at Burnley without really putting up a fight. One thing is for certain, though, when fit, Jordan Henderson will start.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Alexias.