Jordan Henderson says it would be an ‘honour’ to succeed Steven Gerrard as Liverpool captain, when the 34-year-old departs for LA Galaxy in the summer.
Henderson is unbeaten as Liverpool captain, and has been one of the standout players under Brendan Rodgers this season.
He heads into today’s clash with Manchester United having scored three goals in his last three Premier League games, and the leading candidate to succeed Gerrard as club captain next season.
“When Stevie hasn’t been there I just try to do the best I can for the team, encourage the players, lead by example, and in the summer that’s up to the manager,’’ said Henderson in an interview with the Telegraph.
“It would be an absolute honour to be captain. I’d love it. At the same time we have a lot of leaders and characters in the group that could do it as well. If it was someone else, I’d be right behind them.”
Gerrard has returned to fitness after a six week lay off with a hamstring injury, although the Reds have won every Premier League game in his absence.
Henderson has really come to the fore in that time, and the 24-year-old has praised the strength in depth of Liverpool’s squad in recent weeks.
“When Stevie got injured (with hamstrings in January and February) it was a big blow to us because he’s a huge player, he’s our leader,” he added.
“But we’ve got enough quality in the team to handle that. Lucas was outstanding before he got injured. Joe (Allen) has done brilliantly.
“We challenge each other every day to see who gets the nod for that position, and at the weekend you are right behind them, wanting them to do well. We’ve got that in the group. Not only have we got good-quality players but we’ve got some good, humble people as well.”
