Liverpool tour: Jordan Henderson ready to lead Reds after learning from Steven Gerrard
HAVING learnt from one of the best, new Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is ready for the challenge of leading one of world sport’s most iconic clubs.
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HAVING learnt from one of the best, new Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is ready for the challenge of leading one of world sport’s most iconic clubs.
The Reds arrive in Brisbane on Wednesday ahead of Friday night’s Suncorp Stadium clash against the Roar minus departed former skipper, club legend Steven Gerrard, but instead under the guidance of their new on-field leader - 24-year-old Henderson.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had no doubt the English international midfielder was the right man to replace Gerrard - now with LA Galaxy - as captain.
“What you get from Jordan Henderson is that he is very loyal, very honest and is a young player that is on the up,” Rodgers said from Bangkok, where Liverpool met the Thai Premier League All Stars on Tuesday night.
“He is a wonderful role model for the football club, a great ambassador.
“He’s learnt off Stevie over the course of the last year and he’ll step into that. He’ll have his own methods and ideas, and his own way to captain the group.
“I believe in appointing him the captain for now and for the future. I’m very sure he’ll respond to that in a very positive way.”
Liverpool’s touring squad, while also without Manchester City-bound Raheem Sterling, includes new signings James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez, Nathaniel Clyne and Divock Origi.
New Brisbane signing - former Blackburn Rovers and Perth Glory attacker Jamie Maclaren will debut for the Roar on Friday night, but the hosts will be without injured key defender Luke DeVere.
The Roar’s decision to field DeVere in last month’s friendly against Villarreal - after he was sidelined for the final four weeks of Brisbane’s 2014-15 season with a thigh injury - has backfired spectacularly.
The Socceroo lasted just eight minutes of the Roar’s 3-0 win over the Spanish club on June 3, re-aggravating his injury.
He required surgery soon after. Currently on crutches, DeVere is in doubt for the Roar’s A-League season-opener against Western Sydney Wanderers on October 8.
“He’s probably out for three to four months,” Roar football operations manager Craig Moore said.
Roar captain Matt McKay will also miss Friday’s clash after only returning to training this week following his Socceroos commitments last month.
“Matty wants to play but he’s only just come back,” Moore said.
Decorated goalkeeper Michael Theo also won’t play as he continues his recovery from the wrist and groin injuries that sidelined him for the majority of last season.
Meanwhile, Melbourne City, who on Tuesday announced the signing of former Roar star Michael Zullo, arrive on the Gold Coast on Wednesday ahead of their clash on Saturday against Manchester City at Cbus Super Stadium.
“I think Melbourne City has the best set-up in Australia right now and think the club’s goals and my goals align pretty well,” Zullo said.
“For me the priorities are to be in a really professional environment and at a club with the ambition to win.”
Originally published as Liverpool tour: Jordan Henderson ready to lead Reds after learning from Steven Gerrard
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