The speculation on the new vice-captain post vacancy since Daniel Agger left Liverpool has ended when Brendan Rodgers announced that Jordan Henderson is his final choice. Before Henderson's appointment, The Writer was aware that several names such as Martin Skrtel, Lucas, Daniel Sturridge, new boy Dejan Lovren, and Glen Johnson were the individuals that Brendan had as his bunch of choices. But 'Hendo' is the most suitable person as far as The Writer is concerned. Hendo's career at Liverpool is not a typical success story. He suffered a lot of abuse and criticism in his first season (2011) when the then Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish bought him from Sunderland. It was coincidence with Liverpool's poor form under Dalglish. Although, Liverpool did win a League Cup under Dalglish, the fans expected more from this 20 million signing as the fee represented a very huge investment. Most of the fans thought Hendo was an overrated British player in the over-inflated British market. There was nothing Hendo could do during that time than kept his head down and work hard.The Writer also joined the fans' opinions in feeling Hendo was a mistake and Liverpool should get rid of him sooner rather than later. The Hendo that The Writer knew at Sunderland was an exciting young talent who loved to burst into speed at the right flank and able to provide beautiful crosses for the strikers to score. The sight of that occasion was rarely seen at Anfield.
Then in 2012/2013 season, came Brendan Rodgers replacing Dalglish as the new Liverpool manager. It marked a new starting point for Hendo although he was very near in following Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam went out to other clubs as part of Rodgers' new revolution and removing the dead wood at Liverpool. A transfer to Fulham never materialized and it seemed a destiny for Hendo to finally succeed at Liverpool and not joining Fulham into the relegation at the end of that season. Later, Hendo was surprisingly very much part of Rodgers' tactical system at Liverpool. His tireless performance and huge passion in improving his overall game made him a definite starter in Rodger's hard pressing and fast attacking tactic. He even provided a number of assists and goals which completed the turnaround of his career at Liverpool. The fans realized that Hendo was a rejuvenated player and all the abuses that came previously, never been heard at Liverpool anymore. Hendo currently is the now and the future of Liverpool and England. His decision to take Steven Gerrard's England number 4 jersey indicates that he is ready to be the main man in midfield following Gerrard's international retirement. His new vice-captain role at Liverpool will also see him take the captain's armband at Liverpool permanently if Gerrard finally decided to retire from football for good. A captain role was never new to Henderson as he was the former captain of England under 21 squad. The Writer believed Hendo is the most suitable person to be the successor of Gerrard's legacy at Anfield. He is honest and a hardworker who sees failure as the stepping stone to achieve more unimaginable things in life. Who would have thought he could be what he is now two years ago prior to Brendan Rodgers' arrival? Supposedly no one. And Hendo can now concentrate in improving Liverpool's second placed achievement last season as all he will have now at Anfield are just praises and songs to spur him and teammates to a greater height. No more abuses and criticism. Anfield have found their new favorite son after Steven Gerrard and they know that, the man Hendo will not leave them when he is succesful. Not like the Torreses, the Suarezes, and the Owens. Hendo is here to stay and payback Liverpool 20 million's investment once upon a time. #YNWA!
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