It's public knowledge now that patience with Jordan Henderson had worn thin to such an extent that club hierarchy were ready to ship him to Fulham in a swap deal for Clint Dempsey a year after signing him from Sunderland for skywards of £16 million, but the current Liverpool vice-captain has recently admitted that he was shocked when he was told he could leave. It has been one of the most inspiring turnaround stories in recent times, as the former flop has transformed his fortunes, becoming the cornerstone of the Liverpool midfield and arguably one of the national side's most important players. Perhaps it was Brendan Rodgers' willingness to sell him to Fulham that finally woke him up from his debutant slumber.
''When the manager told me I could go to Fulham, it was a bit of a shock at first. What he said came as a sort of bolt from the blue. I think the Dempsey situation had stalled, but it wasn't really of interest to me. I worked really hard to come to a club like Liverpool and I didn't want to leave in a hurry.'' - Jordan Henderson, November 2012.
Brendan Rodgers hailed him as the Premier League's 'most-improved player' and it's hard to argue, considering the lung-busting runs, ferocious tackles and pinpoint passes he completed last term. He has developed into a fine player, and is improving ever more. This season, he is lining out as Steven Gerrard's heir in the Champions League, as opposed to making trips to Brentford and Rotherham with Fulham.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
