Jordan Henderson is a name inextricably linked with Liverpool’s recent footballing triumph. He will visit his old club for the first time, having left Anfield in summer 2023. As he takes to the pitch with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, the 35-year-old midfielder carries with him a rich history that intertwines with Liverpool’s legacy, including a leadership role during one of the club’s most triumphant eras.
Henderson has played key roles to the success of Liverpool in recent years under manager Jurgen Klopp. He captained the team to every single major trophy in his remarkable 12-year stay. His leadership attributes molded what Klopp succinctly and famously dubbed the ‘mentality monsters. This roster truly displayed heart and tenacity with each match-up they played. Off the field, Henderson provided a veteran’s stability and experience that helped the team flourish. His impact created a culture and base that propelled the squad to victory after victory.
Not every memory is marked by victory. One especially gut-wrenching moment for Henderson would be in the fateful league match against Chelsea in April 2014. His absence due to suspension proved detrimental, as Liverpool suffered a defeat that ultimately cost them the Premier League title that season. Looking back on his time in Liverpool, Henderson admitted that mentally, it was difficult for him once he left Merseyside.
“Truth be told, I’ve been through some dark days the last two years,” he said. His story after Liverpool had him landing with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, where he was coached by former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard. That chapter ended with a mutual termination of his contract in mid-January 2024. He then endured a tumultuous 18-month stint with Ajax, a time he called “challenging.”
As trying as such tests have been, Henderson continues to feel bullish about his artistry and potential. Quite frankly, I’m the best player on the field,” he said, reiterating his desire to deliver high level performance to Brentford and their lofty midfield hopes. As he heads into that arena matched up against Liverpool, he knows these stakes very well. A win would pile more pressure upon Arne Slot’s asset-flipping machine. If they do lose, it will be their fourth loss in a row, something they have endured only three times in Premier League history.
Henderson’s legacy as a player is already strongly established. This made him one of only four Englishmen to have captained his club to both the European Cup and the old first division title. His tenure at Liverpool saw him form part of a hard-working midfield that lost just 24 league games between 2016 and 2023, a testament to his consistency and dedication.
Reflecting on his time leaving Liverpool, Henderson had bittersweet feelings. He admitted that leaving felt like a breakup, saying, “It felt like a breakup. I couldn’t watch a lot of Premier League games and I certainly couldn’t watch Liverpool.” His close emotional ties to the club rendered leaving an arduous process.
Looking back, Henderson wishes he had approached this transition period differently. “In hindsight, maybe I would have made different decisions,” he noted, acknowledging that while regrets exist, his decisions were not made lightly.
As Henderson gets ready for this emotional reunion with Liverpool, happiness and anxiety go hand in hand. His contributions to Brentford will always be accompanied by the added weight of personal history. As the season goes on, he writes his own story while respecting what’s been built before at Anfield.
“Outside, people can think what they want. The most important people are the manager, the coaching staff and the players. Ask them what they think, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I don’t think one of the best managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that.” – Jordan Henderson
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