Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has publicly hailed current vice-captain Jordan Henderson as a "natural leader" for the future, as he watched his side win 1-0 away from home against Sunderland in the early afternoon kick-off from the Stadium of Light. 

Henderson was already made the club's vice-captain at the start of the 2014-15 campaign, with a view to take over the captaincy when Steven Gerrard would retire, or announce his departure. However, it was an unexpected surprise that hit many Liverpool supporters and football fans alike across the world as the 34-year-old confirmed he was going to join MLS side LA Galaxy in the summer - meaning that unless Rodgers makes a direct change, Henderson will become the new captain of the club.

Some have suggested it is too early for him to have the captain's armband of such a prestigious club, and that he still needs time to develop before he has the full pressures that come with the captaincy itself. With that being said, he has improved significantly following his move to the side back in 2011, and the only real other candidates you would consider would have to be Lucas and Martin Skrtel.  

Henderson himself has a few attributes that suggest he could be a great captain in years to come, with leadership and determination to represent the club in the best way possible. 

Meanwhile, Rodgers had this to say about the club's current vice-captain: "I've obviously made him a vice-captain of the club and he has really grown, not just as a footballer but as a young lad. You saw his quality today - his leadership and his power. He is a fantastic young man and that was the reason for giving him it. When Steven isn't on the field he is a real leader for us and there is no question he can go on and become captain at the club.

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Mosope Ominiyi
Writer and editor - European football analyst, youth enthusiast. Email: [email protected]