Henderson on 'amazing feeling' of being made vice-captain

Saturday 20 Sep 2014
Jordan Henderson says it is 'amazing' to be made vice-captain at Anfield
Jordan Henderson says it is an “amazing feeling” to be made vice-captain at Liverpool – and he thanked manager Brendan Rodgers for improving him as a player.

The England international midfielder was this week confirmed as Steven Gerrard’s deputy at Anfield, capping an incredible transformation for the 24-year-old over the last two years.

Shortly after arriving in the hotseat on Merseyside, Rodgers allowed Henderson to discuss a move to Fulham, but it was rejected by the player and since then he has knuckled down to become one of the key men for the club.

"I think I have learned a lot and I will continue to learn"

Henderson on working under Rodgers

 


"I didn't really have to think about, it was an amazing feeling," Henderson said on his appointment.

"The manager spoke about (my journey) and to be fair he did say at the time when I wasn't playing I should take time out to focus on videos and learn tactically about the game better and he promised he would improve me as a player.

"I have a lot to thank him for because he has done that and continues to improve me.”

Henderson, who helped England to a 2-0 win in Switzerland 12 days ago, added: "My tactical awareness in games needed to be better and that has improved, I try to improve every day.

"In big games tactics come into it a lot and you see in many games we play many different formations, ways of playing and pressing and keeping the ball.

"I think I have learned a lot and I will continue to learn but I have the coaching staff and manager to thank for that."

While Gerrard remains Liverpool's leader on the pitch for the foreseeable future, Henderson is starting to prepare himself for the time when he may succeed his team-mate – and admits that the Merseyside club’s talisman is the role model he aspires to be.

"I have learned from players around me and he is a massive influence on my career and I look up to him as a person and a player," he added.

"There is no better man to learn from and I try to learn everything he does in my own way.”

Henderson and his Liverpool team-mates travel to West Ham for the late kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer