‘I always want to get better – that is a really big part of life’
➤ Jordan Henderson deflected the glory on to his team-mates after the Liverpool captain was voted FWA Player of the Year
Jordan Henderson accepted the honour of being named Footballer of the Year rather like he plays – reticent about taking individual accolades, eager to stress that others are equally worthy of the applause, keen to deflect the credit for success.
These were the qualities that won most support in the Football Writers’ Association poll in which Liverpool’s captain eclipsed Manchester City’s magnificent Kevin De Bruyne. His victory is the triumph of the modest man. “This is on behalf of the team,” Henderson kept repeating, as if he would rather continue to play the supporting role to the superstar strikers usually favoured in such ballots.
“It’s an incredible honour. Great players have won it and to be part of that list is amazing. At the same time, I would be wrong to sit here and accept this award just for me. You could pick anyone in our dressing room who would deserve it.”
Is Henderson the best player of 2019-20? He willingly volunteered that this is a matter of debate. The most exemplary footballer on and off the pitch? The professional most inspiring for his leadership and example during one of the most testing times for the sport? There was no more appropriate winner.
Henderson was instrumental in organising and leading the Players Together initiative to raise millions for NHS staff, as well helping coordinate the Black Lives Matter campaign with fellow Premier League captains. Upon receiving his award, he spoke passionately about mainpep taining momentum behind those causes and others.
“If there’s stuff in the future that might help people, I’m sure we’ll look to do so,” he said. “That was a real positive over the last few months when we’ve been in a bad situation. A lot of the captains and representatives have come together to do something good for the people who need it the most.
“It was millions of pounds raised. But it is not only the financial side. Ellie [Orton], who is the CEO of the NHS Charities Together, mentioned how much that had a huge impact on the mentality and psychological part of the NHS staff and what it meant to them.
“So many people love football, so they could see their heroes, no matter what the club, come together to support them and what they are going through. It is something we are all very proud of. Put all the rivalry aside and do something for the greater good of the country.
“The Black Lives Matter was very much player-led – all of the captains and players coming together to do something to raise awareness. Going forward, I think we have started something really special so, in the future, if the players can come together and do more stuff when it is needed, then I am sure we can”
It is typical of the Wearsider’s career that as the plaudits showered down for his professionalism, leadership and off-field dynamism, there was a moment when it needed stressing he also won for being an exceptionally good footballer, guiding Liverpool to the title for the first time in 30 years.
Jurgen Klopp described Henderson’s award as “a triumph of resilience”, his captain the epitome of a player once doubted – certainly when he moved to Anfield in 2011 and in his first year of captaincy – but now believed in.
“The question for footballers is always, what makes you the player you are? Is it the talent or is it the attitude? The answer is a mix.
Hendo is the perfect answer for that,” said the manager. “Yes, other players played an exceptional season, 100 per cent. But if you want to have a guy that really fought his way through to the point where he is now, it is absolutely deserved.”
Henderson is uncomfortable analysing his own qualities, preferring to see himself as representing Klopp’s and Liverpool’s values.
“I don’t do it to receive praise. I do it to improve,” Henderson said. “I do it to help my team become successful. You always want to improve as a player, and that’s all I’ve ever done since I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to get better. That will never stop.
“That’s a big part of life, really. You’re going to have setbacks. You’re going to have criticism. It’s how you react to those situations.”
Did the criticism ever get to him? “I think at times it can,” he said. “When you are a young player it is harder to deal with. I have found ways to deal with it through experience. Now I look more for criticism as fuel. Use it as energy to motivate you to come back stronger.”
His fifth trophy in 12 months, the latest more personal, is response enough. Henderson has no intention of losing his love of silver.
“The day I woke up after lifting the [Premier League] trophy, it was about the next challenge,” he said.
“I have listened to people who have won it in the past and they say it is hard to win the Premier League trophy and even harder to retain it, so the challenge starts now.
“It will be a huge challenge but one I and the team are ready for. I am ready now. I love what the gaffer said. We will not defend the trophy, we will attack it. That is the perfect way for our football team. That is the mentality we have shown over the past year. Improve, give everything on the football pitch and in training. The lads would be ready to start the new Premier League tomorrow and do everything to retain the title.”
‘I look to use criticism as fuel – as energ y to motivate you to come back stronger’