This summer, Liverpool has been heavily linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham
Jordan Henderson has previously been described by young teammate Harvey Elliott as a ‘clone of Steven Gerrard,’ and the 32-year-old could take on a mentor role if Liverpool sign Jude Bellingham. Gerrard helped Henderson develop into the inspirational captain he is today during his first years at Anfield, and he can now do the same for Bellingham if he arrives.
Henderson is a Liverpool legend, having played 480 times for the club since joining from Sunderland in 2011. He led the Reds to Champions League glory in 2019, but he will be remembered as the man who finally lifted the Premier League trophy for Liverpool after a 30-year drought.
Henderson’s performances have dipped this season, and there is a real possibility that he will lose his starting spot over the summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to overhaul his midfield. That does not diminish his importance, as the 32-year-experience old’s is critical in assisting his younger teammates’ advancement.
Henderson could be extremely beneficial to Bellingham if he joins from Borussia Dortmund. The Liverpool teenager has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield and is thought to be one of Klopp’s top targets.
Bellingham has already demonstrated tremendous leadership abilities, regularly wearing the armband for Dortmund this season. If he moves to Merseyside, he is widely expected to take over as Liverpool captain once Henderson retires.
Meanwhile, he will be able to learn directly from Henderson as the Liverpool captain takes on more of a mentoring role as his playing time is reduced. The pair already have a good relationship from their time together with England, which they can build on at Anfield.
Henderson’s role as a mentor to Bellingham would be similar to how Gerrard treated the 32-year-old when he moved from Sunderland. Gerrard took Henderson under his wing when he was a youngster, guiding him to become the man who took over the captaincy from him when he left the club in 2015.
Those inside Anfield have already compared Henderson to Gerrard, and the comparisons may continue if Bellingham joins. Harvey Elliott has been one of his captain’s staunchest supporters, describing him as a “Gerrard clone.”
Elliott told the Counter Attack podcast in 2021, “I don’t think people (outside the club) appreciate Henderson as much as they should.” “On and off the field, he is a living legend. I can’t say enough good things about him; he’s a top captain and exactly what everyone wants in a captain.
“He is a leader both on and off the field.” He doesn’t do it for the reaction; he does it to have an effect on things, to bring them into line, and to demonstrate that everyone can be on the same page – he brings people along with him.
“He greeted me warmly, and he has always taken me under his wing and given me a good kicking when I needed it. He resembles a clone.
Henderson’s importance to Liverpool has been clear over the last 12 years, and he will continue to be a valuable presence on and off the field for many years to come.
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