Why Jordan Henderson deserves more than just a second chance at Liverpool
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going”
– Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. (Businessman, politician, and father of ex-US President John F. Kennedy) / Knute Rockne (Norwegian-American footballer)
Most of us have come across this famous quote at some point in our lives - in books, articles or even as a form of encouragement to lift up our sagging spirits. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson though is the perfect embodiment of this deceptively simple-looking proverb – he lives it.
The departure of Reds legend and former captain Steven Gerrard in the summer of 2015 to LA Galaxy saw Henderson being entrusted with the armband in July the same year.
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The midfielder, however, suffered a debilitating foot injury just a couple of games into the new season. A quick recovery was not on the cards as the then 25-year-old midfielder endured a season marred by injuries, pain, and lack of full fitness.
As a consequence, his importance to the team during the previous two seasons was easily forgotten and replaced by the cacophony of calls for the erstwhile captain to be put on the block come summer. It also laid bare the devastating trend in recent times, of short-lived fan memories and the quickness of judgement when it comes to writing off players.
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In this piece, we analyse why Henderson’s 2015/16 season should be seen as a one-off blip, offer a sneak peek into the past and provide a snapshot of what the future potentially holds in store for the Reds captain.
Stutter before the start: could he play?
Born to a policeman father and a fitness instructor mother, Henderson grew up in an environment surrounded by sport. He took to football quickly and also excelled at table tennis and badminton. Enrolled into the Sunderland academy from the age of 7, the local boy suffered from knee pain and disproportionate physical growth.
At 16, he was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatters - a growing pains condition which required extensive treatment. He survived the scares and worked extra hard to continue playing football and slowly built a reputation for himself in the Wearsiders’ academy.
Liverpool move and the transformation from boy to man
In the summer of 2011, Kenny Dalglish brought Jordan Henderson to Liverpool; the 21-year old made 37 league appearances and scored two goals in his debut season. With a change of guard at the club in 2012, Brendan Rodgers took over the reins from the Scotsman.
The former Swansea manager was willing to let Henderson go to Fulham as part of a swap deal for Clint Dempsey. Henderson though stayed put. In the player’s own words:
“It wasn't a nice thing to hear. I didn't want to go anywhere. I wasn't playing regularly and they gave me the option if I wanted to go. I told them: 'No, I don't want to, I want to keep fighting for my place.' I came to Liverpool wanting to stay here for the rest of my career. I certainly didn't want to leave after a year.”
That was a show of resilience – he chose ‘fight’ over ‘flight’. It wasn’t just about making idle choices, though. The youngster from the North East had to prove himself to the Northern Irishman and he did so with gusto.
Jordan worked extra hard in training, stayed back to practice some more and bought into the manager’s methods. His first Premier League start for Liverpool came in the November of the 2012/13 season; his work rate, athleticism and willingness to give everything for the team soon led to the midfielder becoming a regular starter under Rodgers from the turn of the year.
Henderson had won over his manager through sheer persistence; with 5 goals and 4 assists to boot, he had begun the process of winning over the fans as well. The young lad from the Stadium of Light had well and truly begun his Anfield journey as a man!
A vital cog in ‘that’ title run: 2013/14
Numerous accolades and the choicest of adjectives were bestowed upon Liverpool’s attack – with Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and then captain Steven Gerrard garnering most of the affection; even Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling’s contributions made headlines.
Amongst all of this, as the Liverpool blitzkrieg swept past opponents, one man went about his job quietly and with utmost efficiency – Jordan Henderson. He rarely made heads turn but his abundant energy in midfield covered Gerrard ably while his late, surging runs into the box helped score some crucial goals. Henderson did not shy away from a tackle either; he was a noteworthy contributor and threat all over the pitch and had 4 goals and 7 assists to show for his efforts.
On April 13, 2014, Liverpool hosted Manchester City at Anfield. In the dying minutes of extra time, Henderson made a lunging tackle on Samir Nasri and received the first red card of his career, effectively ruling him out for the next 3 fixtures.
Liverpool saw off Norwich successfully but crumbled at Anfield against Chelsea. While Gerrard’s slip may have triggered panic and caused the eventual loss to Chelsea, thereby ending the Reds’ title ambitions, some experts and pundits opined that Henderson was sorely missed in midfield.
“You know not the value of what you have until it is gone”, the wise said. It was true for Liverpool – their wheel’s key cog – Henderson – had come off a tad too soon.