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.
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