Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Jordan Henderson‘s rise and rise shows what can happen when a player listens to the advice around him.
Another landmark in Henderson’s career was met this week when Rodgers announced him as the club’s new vice-captain, playing understudy to Steven Gerrard.
After almost being sold to Fulham upon Rodgers’ arrival at Anfield in 2012, Henderson has grown into a key figure in Liverpool’s first team.
His professionalism and abilities haven’t gone unnoticed—also becoming a regular England international.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to West Ham, Rodgers had nothing but praise for the 24-year-old midfielder’s success story.
“I think Jordan’s story is a story of what a player can achieve if he accepts what the coach and the manager is saying,” he said
“It’s important that a player feels like he’s going to be given that chance. A player needs to know that the words aren’t hollow and be able to see they’ll get the opportunity.
“We’ve seen that during my time here with the number of players who have maybe been outside the group and then come in, having shown the ability to learn, improve and take on board the concepts of how we want to work.
“If they do that and remain committed then they have every chance. What Jordan has done, that’s something that is open for every player.”
With Gerrard having reached the age of 34-years-old and Liverpool’s fixture schedule coming thick and fast with forthcoming games in the league, League Cup and Champions League, the opportunity for Henderson to take the captain’s armband may come sooner rather than later.
On Gerrard’s fitness, Rodgers added, “It’s something that I have looked at but he’s fit, he’s fresh. I looked at him the other night and he was moving well. There will obviously be some games where we need to look at that but Steven is someone who is in really good condition. We will always pick a team we think will win the game.”
West Ham v Liverpool gets underway at 4.30pm on Saturday. Follow @thisisanfield on Twitter for updates throughout the day.
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