Ex-Red Charlie Adam can't stop admiring Jordan Henderson both on and on the pitch. The skipper's prowess and stability in Liverpool's midfield is what makes the real difference in the Reds' overall display, while the way he performs his captain duties is exemplary.
No wonder, Adam considers to be him one of the greatest Liverpool captains.
"Did I envisage Jordan Henderson winning the European Cup as Liverpool captain? Probably not," Jordan's former teammate told the Blood Reds podcast.
"But how things have changed, and he’s become comfortable in the role and since coming in as a young lad starting out, every season he’s got better and better.
"He’s played his best football this season that he’s probably ever played. He’s worked his way into the role and is a terrific role-model for young kids on and off the pitch, you never see him in the press for anything wrong.
"You could put him up there with the great Liverpool captains over the years. The great captains have been able to drag Liverpool through the mire, they’re the ones who have taken on the added responsibility.
"And he’s accepted the role very well, he’s taken it in his stride and the performances he’s been producing have been incredible. It’s a position he takes very, very seriously and he’s getting the rewards for that."
Moreover, Charlie believes Jordan has been so good this season that he actually can and probably should be Player of the Year contender.
"When I played with him he was a young kid coming in from Sunderland. He was playing out of position, it was difficult for him to get into the central midfield but as time passed, his importance as part of the club evolved over the years," Adam continued.
"He’s a mainstay of the team now, he’s the captain. I think Liverpool are a very different team when he doesn’t play. The dynamics of the team are different, he’s very underrated.
"For me personally, I think he could be player of the year, that’s how much influence he has on the team.
"You talk about Kevin De Bruyne, you talk about Harry Kane but Jordan Henderson as an individual sets the tone and the markers for everybody else to go and play.
"He’s been terrific over the past few years and has grown into being Liverpool captain."
Some of Henderson's current teammates share this view. For instance, after the recent 2-1 win against Wolverhampton where Henderson scored a goal and provided an assist, Andy Robertson said that Hendo has been Liverpool's best player this season.
Indeed, Jordan might be enjoying the best season of his career. The 29-year-old has made 30 appearances across all competitions, scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists.
The captain has led the Reds to the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup triumphs and has every opportunity to lift the Premier League trophy at the end of the season.
