Poll: The New Vice-Captain?

Apologies if someone has already started a discussion on this, I couldn't find anything with a quick flick through. Anyway, with Agger now gone, who's your candidate for the new Vice Captain?

Personally I'd go with Lovren. With the exception of his part in the mistakes at City, the guy has been immense since joining and looks to be our best Centre Back by far. In the games I've seen him play in, he seems to be organising that back line, yelling at the other defenders which is apparently what Brendan brought him in for.

Who do you guys think should take over the mantle?

Jordan no question

Never ever thought I would say that, but just give it to.........

Jordan Henderson!

My other candidate would be Skrtel for being a constant presence in the squad for such a long time, but Jordan seem more apt to be captain than Martin. Either way I would be happy though.

Doesn't the squad vote on the Vice-Captain?

Henderson and Lovren are good candidates but in my opinion it has to be Skrtel.

I reckon it'll be Lovren. Rodgers has spoken about his leadership and organisational abilities multiple times, plus he's the loudest player on the pitch.

Henderson for me.

It will be Lovren,  Brendan has him earmarked I reckon,  when Stevie hangs up his boots Lovren will be promoted the VC will then be Jordans,  that's how I see it panning out anyhows,


YNWA

I think it will be Skrtel, but i'd hand it to Jordan.

I would go with Skrtel or Jordan but I would take a chance on Mario,would make him settle & responsible that little bit more.

Definitely has to be Lovren or Henderson! I'm gunna say Lovren, because him as VC will give him more motivation to improve and organise the whole team where as I think if Henderson got it, it would only improve him.

Hendo.

Hendo -lovren Skrtel are all good candidates
 But I would go with Sturridge , it will be a boost for his already high confidence

YNWA

might get some flak for this but I think lovren is too new to get the vc.  for me, besides leadership ability, a bit of senority has to be considered... I am not saying go all snobby etc... but lovren is still new to the Liverpool family, he needs to learn the off the pitch ins and outs.  needs some time to get the fans behind him and more importantly, the longer term Liverpool players' true buy in.  I have seen many times a new player comes in... gets the vc but really has no pull with other players in the locker room.

personally I would like hendo to get the vc.  skrtel is a decent shout too. 

Danny Sturridge.

I'm voting for Jordan.

Skrtel, Henderson..

Brad Jones?

Glen Johnson 

For me Sakho is ideal but it will never be done because he is not a regular plus i think his english is not great. So Henderson will be next VC

It will be Lovren,  Brendan has him earmarked I reckon,  when Stevie hangs up his boots Lovren will be promoted the VC will then be Jordans,  that's how I see it panning out anyhows,

Yep, completely agree.

 was sceptical about Hendo becoming our actual captain because I didn't think he had the presence to command others.  But his energy and hunger to win the ball back and make things happens that will inspire players in itself. They'll want to follow a player who leads by example.

Henderson for me should get VC and see how he handles games when Gerrard is out, it might help kick him onto the next level.

I wouldn't go with Jordan just yet. I'd personally prefer a defender to have the captaincy once Stevie hangs up the boots. Defenders are some of the most vocal leaders on the pitch and Lovren could well be a strong candidate for future captaincy.

Sturridge.

Be good if we could get a poll on this.

A few good candidates: Henderson, Lovren, Skrtel, Lallana (southampton captain), Sturridge

Personally I'd go with Henderson but I could perhaps see it being Lovren

Henderson and Lovren are good candidates but in my opinion it has to be Skrtel.

He is no way shape or form a leader. Hell do his own tasks and do no more.

Balo.

Id give it to Mignolet, he'll almost always be playing.

Get a poll up. Would be interesting to see the results!

Why are people saying Lovren who has played just a few games for us?

Why are people saying Lovren who has played just a few games for us?

Because he is a leader

Why are people saying Lovren who has played just a few games for us?

Its there opinion. And in his 3 games he looks more vocal and does more organising then probably anyone else

Henderson for me, worked his ass off to become the most important player on the field every week, and he is an example to the young ones to keep up the hard work even when people doubt them.

On a practical note I would give it to Lovren.

Lovren has got leadership skills and it is the major reason Brenden brought him, but he has no experience being a captain. That is why I would give it to Henderson (who is present at the club longer time) and made him my 3rd choice

Skrtel .

Nobody talking about Lallana, who was captain over Lovren at Southampton. Must have been picked for a reason. Fair enough he has not started for us yet but surely if we are willing to consider Lovren then Lallana is a possibility...

It's by the by anyway, as I would have Hendo.

Hendo all day long

Nobody talking about Lallana

Long may that continue. Shouldn't be in the conversation about vice-captain yet

Hendo for me.

Too early for Lovren, Sakho and Lallana and Skrtel just isn't suited for the job IMO.

Henderson or Lovren.

F**k it, Balotelli!!!

Hendo for me.

Too early for Lovren, Sakho and Lallana and Skrtel just isn't suited for the job IMO.

Yeah. The idea that Skrtel could be vice captain let alone a captain is bizarre.

Probably Henderson. Don't see too many realistic alternatives.

Borini

Yeah. The idea that Skrtel could be vice captain let alone a captain is bizarre.

Last season Johnson was given the armband and then Skrtel when Gerrard went off. Logically it puts him up there as a candidate.

I really think it'll be him or Jordan.

Long may that continue. Shouldn't be in the conversation about vice-captain yet

So, naturally, you'd say the same thing about Lovren I hope...

1. Henderson
2. Lovren
3. Skrtel

Skrtel, all day long.

Anyone who can't see Lovren is a natural leader is blind.

Mine would be be Lovren or Henderson.

Anyone who can't see Lovren is a natural leader is blind.

I understand you're unhappy but there is absolute no need to start accusing people of being United players.

Skrtelll

Here's the thing for me about the other candidates mentioned here. The Vice-Captain is meant to be a leader on the pitch, even when the Captain is present and when he's not, the Vice becomes the Captain. So you have to look past time served with us and to leadership qualities. Lovren was brought in because, according to Rodgers, the back line needed Leadership in it, something it's lacked since Carragher retired. If Skrtel possessed such qualities then why the need to bring Lovren in?  Henderson is getting better and better but still goes missing for parts of games. People admit that freely here on this board so it's not something I'm just saying to be critical about him. So you have to ask yourself if having your Captain going missing for parts of games is going to be a good thing? He might be a future Vice-Captain if he improves that area of his game but not right now. He's not ready.

That really just leaves Lallana (former club captain) or Lovren as the potential Vice-Captains. Out of the two I think it will be Lovren because of the aforementioned Leadership at the back. This again counts against Henderson and Lallana because do we really want the Captain and Vice-Captain playing alongside each other? What would that bring to the team? Making Lovren the new VC gives us a like-for-like replacement for Agger who on paper was meant to be the like-for-like replacement for Carragher. It provides a level of continuity I can see Brendan going for so for me, Lovren is the logical choice.

Here's the thing for me about the other candidates mentioned here. The Vice-Captain is meant to be a leader on the pitch, even when the Captain is present and when he's not, the Vice becomes the Captain. So you have to look past time served with us and to leadership qualities. Lovren was brought in because, according to Rodgers, the back line needed Leadership in it, something it's lacked since Carragher retired. If Skrtel possessed such qualities then why the need to bring Lovren in?  Henderson is getting better and better but still goes missing for parts of games. People admit that freely here on this board so it's not something I'm just saying to be critical about him. So you have to ask yourself if having your Captain going missing for parts of games is going to be a good thing? He might be a future Vice-Captain if he improves that area of his game but not right now. He's not ready.

That really just leaves Lallana (former club captain) or Lovren as the potential Vice-Captains. Out of the two I think it will be Lovren because of the aforementioned Leadership at the back. This again counts against Henderson and Lallana because do we really want the Captain and Vice-Captain playing alongside each other? What would that bring to the team? Making Lovren the new VC gives us a like-for-like replacement for Agger who on paper was meant to be the like-for-like replacement for Carragher. It provides a level of continuity I can see Brendan going for so for me, Lovren is the logical choice.

nicely said but I think you are overlooking time served with us.  remember the days you played competitive sport... or maybe you still are.  say you are in a team that has been together for awhile.  new guy comes in and coach goes ok he is now the VC.  this new guy doesn't have any or much locker cred with the rest of the lads... and there are definitely going to be some existing players that would think they got overlooked .

the people dynamics is pretty important in this.  I would not be surprised if BR doesn't nominate a VC till deeper into the season.  if that is the case, then yes I agree that lovren could be the best choice.

Anyone notice that high five embrace, chest bump thing that the team do before kick off? I've seen it before now and then but I noticed that Lovren seems to be orchestrating it with such passion before each game. The other lads seem to look up to him (but maybe that's just because of the height difference). His performances on the pitch have been exemplary as well. May have to change my vote.

nicely said but I think you are overlooking time served with us.  remember the days you played competitive sport... or maybe you still are.  say you are in a team that has been together for awhile.  new guy comes in and coach goes ok he is now the VC.  this new guy doesn't have any or much locker cred with the rest of the lads... and there are definitely going to be some existing players that would think they got overlooked .

the people dynamics is pretty important in this.  I would not be surprised if BR doesn't nominate a VC till deeper into the season.  if that is the case, then yes I agree that lovren could be the best choice.

I know what you mean and I don't disagree, what I'm saying is though that the candidates that have the time served lack the other essential ingredients. If Skrtel was a leader then hands down him. But he's not and he can't be VC simply because he's been with us the longest.

Poll added.

Went with Henderson. Shows everything you'd want from a captain. Great example of how hard work pays off, too.

Lovren for me due to leadership capabilities at the back. I'd have Hendo take the reigns of Captain when Stevie hangs up his boots.

I'd go for Lovren. I think Hendo would be a good option but at the moment he is developing nicely so I'd rather he didn't have the extra pressure just yet. I know Gerrard was made the actual skipper at the same age but Gerrard was a lot more established at that age than what Hendo currently is. Leave Hendo to focus on his game rather than standing in as skipper for another season or 2.

I'd go for Lovren. I think Hendo would be a good option but at the moment he is developing nicely so I'd rather he didn't have the extra pressure just yet. I know Gerrard was made the actual skipper at the same age but Gerrard was a lot more established at that age than what Hendo currently is. Leave Hendo to focus on his game rather than standing in as skipper for another season or 2.

But you know its Vice-Captain not really high pressure..just seems strange to have Lovren and VC then once Gerrard retires have Hendo become the Captain and Lovren stays vice-captain.

Maybe it's the ex-military in me but to me one should work their way up the ladder and the logical step for SG's replacement would be whoever the vice-captain was at the time.

But you know its Vice-Captain not really high pressure..just seems strange to have Lovren and VC then once Gerrard retires have Hendo become the Captain and Lovren stays vice-captain.

Maybe it's the ex-military in me but to me one should work their way up the ladder and the logical step for SG's replacement would be whoever the vice-captain was at the time.

Think maybe misunderstood me mate. I wasn't saying Hendo become captain when Stevie retires and Lovren stay Vice Captain. When the day comes that Stevie hangs up his boots I expect there would have been a lot of changes at the club because it's still a good few years away but if Hendo keeps improving the way he is then yes I would have him take over but at the same time I wouldn't have a problem with it being Lovren and Hendo VC but we are talking a few years away yet so it's not worth really thinking about yet.

I agree, it's not high pressured but if Gerrard gets injured and misses a load of the season again then it will be, especially with the Champions League. To be honest I don't know if Lovren has any experience of playing in the Champions League, I'd have thought so with being at Lyon but the point I'm making is that Lovren has played International football longer, potentially already played Champions League and seems to have more of a leadership quality about him so I'd rather he stepped in when needed and Hendo just concentrate on playing his football still. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Hendo wouldn't be capable it's just my IMO, wouldn't want him to then having a distraction to his development.

Think maybe misunderstood me mate. I wasn't saying Hendo become captain when Stevie retires and Lovren stay Vice Captain. When the day comes that Stevie hangs up his boots I expect there would have been a lot of changes at the club because it's still a good few years away but if Hendo keeps improving the way he is then yes I would have him take over but at the same time I wouldn't have a problem with it being Lovren and Hendo VC but we are talking a few years away yet so it's not worth really thinking about yet.

I agree, it's not high pressured but if Gerrard gets injured and misses a load of the season again then it will be, especially with the Champions League. To be honest I don't know if Lovren has any experience of playing in the Champions League, I'd have thought so with being at Lyon but the point I'm making is that Lovren has played International football longer, potentially already played Champions League and seems to have more of a leadership quality about him so I'd rather he stepped in when needed and Hendo just concentrate on playing his football still. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Hendo wouldn't be capable it's just my IMO, wouldn't want him to then having a distraction to his development.

Makes sense. and don't disagree.

Hendo all day long for me.

I'd have given it to him even if Dagger stayed.

Got to be Hendo for me. Then when Stevie does retire, promote Jordan to Captain and have Lovren as VC.

I understand why some are saying Lovren now but for me he's just joined and although he's been great since joining it's still too early for him in my opinion but keep playing like he has been and stay loyal to us like Danny Agger and his time will come.

Baffled as to why Lovren is a preferred choice for so many having played a whopping 4 games for us.

For me captaincy is very strongly tied to loyalty that isn't to discredit all other leadership qualities a captain needs to have in his kit.

This is Martin's 8th season with us been through the high's and low's and 3 different managerial changes, showed examplary character to cement his spot last season after effectively been told he is 4th choice. Let's not forget he only made the line up against United on the 1st September 12 months ago having been relegated to the bench, and never looked back.

Lovren looks to have alot of good leadership qualities and Henderson has been thrown in to the mix on the back of his breakthrough season I know he has captained English teams at youth level but still a bit raw to assume the captaincy not to say he will be a good fit in a few years time.

Baffled as to why Lovren is a preferred choice for so many having played a whopping 4 games for us.

For me captaincy is very strongly tied to loyalty that isn't to discredit all other leadership qualities a captain needs to have in his kit.

This is Martin's 8th season with us been through the high's and low's and 3 different managerial changes, showed examplary character to cement his spot last season after effectively been told he is 4th choice. Let's not forget he only made the line up against United on the 1st September 12 months ago having been relegated to the bench, and never looked back.

Lovren looks to have alot of good leadership qualities and Henderson has been thrown in to the mix on the back of his breakthrough season I know he has captained English teams at youth level but still a bit raw to assume the captaincy not to say he will be a good fit in a few years time.

It's hard to argue against Skrtel after reading this but, and I say this as one of his biggest fans on here, I just don't see him as a captain.

As I said Hendo all day long for me and that lad is destined to be a captain for us and England.

Lovren shouts leader with his whole game.
Henderson, whilst improved, still looks like he's learning the ropes, esp for his position.
Infact, we'd signed a Pogba or someone, would Henderson be a guaranteed starter ahead of Gerrard?

Experience and leadership is certainly the weak spot in this team.

For me captaincy is very strongly tied to loyalty that isn't to discredit all other leadership qualities a captain needs to have in his kit.

You made me understand why Adam did not throw in a transfer request when he was linked to us. I cannot accept my captain handing in a transfer request.

That said, a captain needs to assume more responsibilities than a normal player, both on and off the field.

Gone for Skrtel because I prefer it to be a defender and someone who's been at Liverpool for more than a month.

However, can entirely sympathise with all of you who have gone for Henderson.  What a difference a couple of seasons make eh!

Something about Lovren just screams captain to me so I suppose I'd go with him, even with his lack of experience with this team (not lack of experience in general).

Hendo for me learning from the best playing along side stevie. Skrtel vice captian. Lovern looks a leader but only played 4 games Could see him as a captian of Liverpool eventually. But my choice would be Jordan Henderson just keeps getting better and better.

Baffled as to why Lovren is a preferred choice for so many having played a whopping 4 games for us.

Quite simply because neither Skrtel or Henderson have the leadership qualities needed to be considered where as Lovren does. Being a Vice or Captain isn't a reward for your loyalty or your improvement as a player, it's a leadership role within the team and you're expected to organise the players around you. Neither Skrtel nor Henderson could organise the skin off a Rice pudding. That's not a bad thing, just that some people aren't leaders. If there's one criticism of our current team it's that it lacks them and hopefully its an area that will be addressed over the coming windows.

Quite simply because neither Skrtel or Henderson have the leadership qualities needed to be considered where as Lovren does.

How do you know this?

How do you know this?

Last I checked Jordan is former captain of the under-21's probably will end up being England captain once shrek goes back to his hovel.

He is not loud on the pitch for Liverpool but I think that is him simply not steeping on SG's toes, nevertheless the passion is there.

Hard work, Determination, Respect for teamates, club & manager, smart...I really don't know what people want?

it's a leadership role within the team and you're expected to organise the players around you. Neither Skrtel nor Henderson could organise the skin off a Rice

Have no clue what this is based off of unless it is Liverpool matches and I would say that it's not Jordan's job to organize players on the pitch or be in a leadership role for Liverpool FC at this time or in the past.

Last I checked Jordan is former captain of the under-21's probably will end up being England captain once shrek goes back to his hovel.

He is not loud on the pitch for Liverpool but I think that is him simply not steeping on SG's toes, nevertheless the passion is there.

Hard work, Determination, Respect for teamates, club & manager, smart...I really don't know what people want?

Indeed AZ.

I'm starting to think that some have never actually watched Henderson at set pieces etc
Shouting, clapping his hands, gee-ing people up, pointing (organising) and generally showing leadership qualities.
Add to that, he's often the first player there after a goal is scored, first there if there's a fracas and he seems to be a genuinely popular figure, and is unselfish on the pitch.

He's already been a captain for his country at U21, and I fully expect him to captain the senior side.

I have no argument against Skrtel being vice captain, except that I think he won't be here for more than another couple of seasons at most, and I'd much rather Henderson takes on some responsibility now, as I think he will also be our future captain.

Infact, we'd signed a Pogba or someone, would Henderson be a guaranteed starter ahead of Gerrard?

Would Sturridge start ahead of Falcao? Would Lovren start ahead of Kompany?

I don't think it's a reflection on Henderson, either his ability or leadership, to ask if a £60 million rated player would start ahead of him.

Good points made on Henderson and while I think Lovren may be appointed VC, wouldn't have any issues at all with Hendo getting that honor and wouldn't be at all surprised if he does.

Hendo, he's in the mix for everything, very vocal and has the potential to be as good as, if not better, that Stevie.

I'm starting to think that some have never actually watched Henderson at set pieces etc
Shouting, clapping his hands, gee-ing people up, pointing (organising) and generally showing leadership qualities.
Add to that, he's often the first player there after a goal is scored, first there if there's a fracas and he seems to be a genuinely popular figure, and is unselfish on the pitch.

He's already been a captain for his country at U21, and I fully expect him to captain the senior side.

I have no argument against Skrtel being vice captain, except that I think he won't be here for more than another couple of seasons at most, and I'd much rather Henderson takes on some responsibility now, as I think he will also be our future captain.

Yep.

Every inch Captain material.

Whether Hendo is made VC or not, it's a testament to the lad on how far he has improved in the last 2 years under Rodgers that he would even be considered for the role. He had become a player many of us weren't bothered about staying but now we are missing a key player when he doesn't play.

Whether Hendo is made VC or not, it's a testament to the lad on how far he has improved in the last 2 years under Rodgers that he would even be considered for the role. He had become a player many of us weren't bothered about staying but not we are missing a key player when he doesn't play.

Yep, I'm in this boat with you too mate. I actually voted for the lad, not convinced he will get the captains armband but as vice captain he's certainly done enough to deserve it.

I'm starting to think that some have never actually watched Henderson at set pieces etc
Shouting, clapping his hands, gee-ing people up, pointing (organising) and generally showing leadership qualities.
Add to that, he's often the first player there after a goal is scored, first there if there's a fracas and he seems to be a genuinely popular figure, and is unselfish on the pitch.

He's already been a captain for his country at U21, and I fully expect him to captain the senior side.   

I have no argument against Skrtel being vice captain, except that I think he won't be here for more than another couple of seasons at most, and I'd much rather Henderson takes on some responsibility now, as I think he will also be our future captain.

bingo.

Hendo has demonstrated a lot of captain qualities... he is just so overlooked by so many people it is shocking really.  Another quality I really like about hendo, he knows if Gerrard is on the pitch, he lets Gerrard be the big dog and he puts his head down and does all the grunt work.  remember the games when gerrard was injured last season,  hendo stepped up to the plate and we played some beautiful football.

plus, if you watch the game and if the play is stopped, hendo is usually screaming out instructions or making sure the lads are on alert.  also ffs, other teams fans.. even our own fans underrate hendo so much.  yes he might not be super gifted but his technical level is still pretty high.  that pass last game to sterling.  First he takes ball from sturridge, plays with his head up and knows who is around him and passes perfectly to sterling.... that is not easy to do.   plus every team needs a work horse. I am confident when I say that our dear hendo if we are in extra time in a CL match.. at 118 mins in,  hendo still will have the energy to blast down the pitch for an attacking and track back to help with defense.  That is one sub spot BR can save on.   And we should all realize how important a sub spot is from our game with mancity.   


having captained the u21 side doesn't hurt either.  obviously those managers that work with him in person seem to see something a lot of us couch managers aren't seeing through the screen of a tv

I think it has to Henderson for me.

Gerrard will not last forever, and if a replacement is to be found, I prefer it to be someone you can carry the mantle for a good while.

Although Škrtel is only 29 and Henderson a mere 24, when Stevie does hand up his boots, Škrtel may be a good few years older.

So rather than an "ageing" player getting the armband, I'd give it to someone with a bit more longevity.

I think it has to Henderson for me.

Gerrard will not last forever, and if a replacement is to be found, I prefer it to be someone you can carry the mantle for a good while.

Although Škrtel is only 29 and Henderson a mere 24, when Stevie does hand up his boots, Škrtel may be a good few years older.

So rather than an "ageing" player getting the armband, I'd give it to someone with a bit more longevity.

I know what you're getting at but if Rodgers sees Skrtel as the most suitable replacement, I don't really think age would matter. It's not like we are limited to the amount of changes we can do. If Skrtel is 31, and Rodgers feels he would be the best leader, why would he give that up?

That's just speaking generally, I would have Lovren or Hendo as the next captain.

I think it has to Henderson for me.

Gerrard will not last forever, and if a replacement is to be found, I prefer it to be someone you can carry the mantle for a good while.

Although Škrtel is only 29 and Henderson a mere 24, when Stevie does hand up his boots, Škrtel may be a good few years older.

So rather than an "ageing" player getting the armband, I'd give it to someone with a bit more longevity.

To be honest I would be a little surprised if Skrtel is still at the club when Gerrard retires. That isn't a criticism of him in anyway, just that by then he will be in his 30's and if Ilori makes the break through then I can see Skrtel going.

To be honest I would be a little surprised if Skrtel is still at the club when Gerrard retires. That isn't a criticism of him in anyway, just that by then he will be in his 30's and if Ilori makes the break through then I can see Skrtel going.

Pretty much my thought....it is also possible that by the time he comes back from injury that Lovren/Sahko have gelled somewhat where that pairing is the new #1.

I don't know maybe because of getting behind him when he first came in or the fact that he works so damn hard and you never hear him complain or be even a niggle of an issue I really like Henderson.

In fact I was in Best Buy here in Arizona last week and an employee from Lancaster? saw me with Liverpool cap on and asked me who my favorite player was, I responded Henderson and his response was "right proper footballer that Henderson"

http://www.espnfc.com/club/liverpool/364/blog/post/2019641/jordan-henderson-should-be-liverpools-new-vice-captain

http://www.espnfc.com/club/liverpool/364/blog/post/2019641/jordan-henderson-should-be-liverpools-new-vice-captain

Pretty much says it all there FL

Some great posting above from many of you, and all have made great points in regards to who may get VC,

You'll get no argument from me if Hendo got it, nor indeed if it were to be Lovren, however,
Imo I think it should be handed to Lovren because he for me has more leadership qualities than Jordan,  he has more experience in that role, also I believe he will see things better from the back and  more able to organise, dictate and give support to those closest to him,

There is no doubt that Jordan has great potential and has the warewithal to become a great leader, but for me he needs to gain more experience, 

I hope that Gerrard keeps going for perhaps another two seasons so that within that time Jordan will have gained the experience necessary to lead like Stevie does now,

Meanwhile getting back to Lovren,  yep ok he may have only played 4 games for us thus far,  but I think we can all see and understanding why Brendan brought him here in the first instance, 
We missed Carragher last season, a lot more than people realise Imo,  it's blatantly clear Brendan recognised this frailty also,

Hence the acquisition of Lovren with his leadership qualities, for me, Jordan's the future, but Lovren for the immediate future.

As for Skrtel, although he has served us with distinction I don't believe he has the qualities to be a out and out leader of men, only my opinion of course.

YNWA

If you served the club for 15 years, you still may not be captain or v captain material.  That honour really goes to players who can take verbal control and command in a game. Organise and instruct, encourage and cajole. Some players are naturally like that, and would still be, whatever trade they worked in.
I think Henderson gives 100% every game physically, but a leader of men vocally ? I don't think so. You can't always lead by example and get a response from others, who may not be as strong in the same attributes, to be able to respond.
Lovren on the other hand, may not have the same engine as Hendo, but his natural leadership skills have already proved to be a great asset. As for only being at the club for a short while, no problem. If the cap fits as they say. Also, I think Hendo would become too pre occupied with players around him, and would lose some of his consistency while worrying about others. Think the cap would be to big for him, even though he's proved me wrong, and become the player I thought he never would.
Skrtel ? been around a while, and had some good seasons, but doesn't have the capability to organise or that would have been evident some time ago. He seems to be a better player when he's along side some one who does the organising and the vocals, just like Carra. And Carra never became what he was, after years of service, that was always in the make up of the man. So it has to be Lovren for me, but may be keep everyone waiting a while before its decided.

If you served the club for 15 years, you still may not be captain or v captain material.  That honour really goes to players who can take verbal control and command in a game. Organise and instruct, encourage and cajole. Some players are naturally like that, and would still be, whatever trade they worked in.
I think Henderson gives 100% every game physically, but a leader of men vocally ? I don't think so. You can't always lead by example and get a response from others, who may not be as strong in the same attributes, to be able to respond.
Lovren on the other hand, may not have the same engine as Hendo, but his natural leadership skills have already proved to be a great asset. As for only being at the club for a short while, no problem. If the cap fits as they say. Also, I think Hendo would become too pre occupied with players around him, and would lose some of his consistency while worrying about others. Think the cap would be to big for him, even though he's proved me wrong, and become the player I thought he never would.
Skrtel ? been around a while, and had some good seasons, but doesn't have the capability to organise or that would have been evident some time ago. He seems to be a better player when he's along side some one who does the organising and the vocals, just like Carra. And Carra never became what he was, after years of service, that was always in the make up of the man. So it has to be Lovren for me, but may be keep everyone waiting a while before its decided.

So he is supposed to shout over Gerrard and basically do what the current Captain does on the pitch?

Its one thing running the back 4 as Lovren does but being the Captain of the club is much more involved than just organizing on the pitch..you are the face and leader of the squad not just on but off the pitch as well.

I think Jordan is much more vocal and passionate than you think he is just not going to yell over the top of Stevie and usurp his authority as current captain.

Part of the article for those that have not read it.

So that leaves just one logical choice: Jordan Henderson. The 24-year-old midfield man appears to be by far and away the best candidate to not only succeed Agger, but to perhaps take over from Gerrard eventually too. If Rodgers is making a list of pros and cons for each player, there won't be too many "cons" on Henderson's list. In fact, I can't think of any.


Who can replace Agger as vice-captain and, one day, Gerrard as club captain? It has to be Jordan Henderson.
The "pros" list, on the other hand, is lengthy. He's one of the first names on the team sheet nowadays and has grown in stature each year he has been at the club. He's one of the more experienced members of the side despite only being in his fourth season at Anfield. He's becoming increasingly vocal on the pitch. He's usually first on the scene to celebrate goals or when there's any kind of confrontation. He's now become a regular for his country, is one of the most dedicated professionals and hardest trainers you'll find and is beginning to show great leadership qualities.

Even at this week's news conference ahead of England's friendly with Norway, Henderson was displaying the kind of leadership that will endear him even more to his club manager. Raheem Sterling was being rather unfairly grilled about a perceived dip in form during the World Cup following his terrific start against Italy, and just as it appeared the teenager was starting to become a little uncomfortable, in stepped Henderson.

"I didn't think he had a bad game. I thought he did well: a 19-year-old playing in the World Cup, on the biggest stage. I thought he was our best player in the first game against Italy. And, against Uruguay, when he got the ball he tried to be positive, to take players on and get crosses in. In both games I thought he was outstanding."

That put an end to that particular line of questioning and no doubt drew a "Thanks, mate" from a relieved Sterling afterwards. That was Steven Gerrard-esque behaviour from Henderson and typifies the type of character he is fast becoming.

It's a remarkable turnaround from a young man who initially struggled after making a big-money move to Anfield from his hometown team, Sunderland. He looked like a fish out of water at times in his first season at the club, not helped by being played out wide on the right (and occasionally even on the left). He appeared short of confidence and reluctant to try things, and few were surprised when it looked like he might be shipped out after one year along with other disappointments from the Kenny Dalglish/Damien Comolli era.

This thread is about being vice-captain now...and how despite him being able to "organize on the pitch" and be "vocal to the back 4"  the vice-captaincy needs to be earned and that person needs to have earned the respect of the club, manager and teammates.

For as much as I like Lovren (and I do rate him highly), how that can be given to somebody that has played 3 matches I do not know.

Brendan brought him in to be the vocal leader of the back four and defense..that does not make a person "Captain or even Vice-Captain" material.

To be honest I don't think we'll see an official VC this season. The Captain in lieu of Gerrard will likely be selected on a game-by-game basis. I think it'll be next season before we see a Vice-Captain. Time for all potential candidates to prove themselves

Hendo deserves it for the little skip he does as soon as we score. Up there with the "Arbeloa" as favourite celebration rituals.

Quite simply because neither Skrtel or Henderson have the leadership qualities needed to be considered where as Lovren does. Being a Vice or Captain isn't a reward for your loyalty or your improvement as a player, it's a leadership role within the team and you're expected to organise the players around you. Neither Skrtel nor Henderson could organise the skin off a Rice pudding. That's not a bad thing, just that some people aren't leaders. If there's one criticism of our current team it's that it lacks them and hopefully its an area that will be addressed over the coming windows.

Based on your rationale Gerrard should not have been anywhere near the arm band, the lad is as quite as a mouse.

He leads by example though and his performances dictate the pace and effort of his team mates so it's a different style of leadership.

I never discredited any of Lovren's leadership qualities nor did I state he wasn't cut out for it merely that he has to do a little bit more to earn his stripes to be given that responsibillity.

To be honest I don't think we'll see an official VC this season. The Captain in lieu of Gerrard will likely be selected on a game-by-game basis. I think it'll be next season before we see a Vice-Captain. Time for all potential candidates to prove themselves

do we HAVE to name a VC? I remember last season wondering who was going to be our deputy VC, as that was Reina who was on loan. now we don't have a Vice or a deputy Vice. I guess we don't HAVE to name either, but we usually recognise a VC don't we.

Hendo