At the time there were some who criticised the previous manager's choice of captain. Gerrard's were big boots to fill and Hendo is no Stevie G, at least not yet.
However, he has shown steady improvement since his arrival from Sunderland back in 2011, culminating in a strong 20-14/15 season despite an overal poor showing by the team, and it was time for him to take that next step.
Unfortunately last season was a right off. An operation on a heel injury was followed by a broken bone in his right foot. When he wasn't injured he was rarely fully fit and was only able to play a total 25 games through the season.
"It’s been the hardest season of my career so far, but you have to go through them at times." he admitted to the Echo at the end of the seaon. “You’re going to have injuries.
"Before that, I was quite lucky in that I didn’t really have any bad ones, and this season they’ve all come at once.
“But hopefully I’ll be stronger for it. I’ve come through it, and hopefully I can stay injury free and get back to my best."
He's been working hard to regain that fitness since returning from international duty with England and is being eased into the pre-season games, getting his shaerpness back in time for the new season ahead.
It's time for us to get behind our captain, regardless of how he compares to our previous captain. As Steven Gerrard himself says, Henderson has all the qualities needed, is a key asset and deserves the backing of the fans as we look to get back to winning ways.
"I think we all need to get behind Jordan, the manager, the staff and the fans," he told the Anfield Wrap during the Reds' trip to the USA. "He had a very difficult year last year with injuries, I've been there when you're injured and frustrated.
"It affects your confidence and you're desperate to get back. Other players come in and do well, people are doubting you and saying that we should move him on. I've heard it all.
"But if we all get behind Henderson and he finds his top form he can be a very big asset for Klopp this year.
"I'm hoping he starts the season strong, gets his confidence early and I think he will be a big player for us. I just want everyone to get behind him and give him that chance."
Whether you're a Hendo fan or not, or if you're undecided about whether he is good enough, support him and see the quality he can bring to the centre of that midfield this season."
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