Jordan Henderson

[Kenneth]

Captain in football means next to **** all. Not like cricket where they have a massive input into the game in terms of tactics etc. Who really gives a ****?

Totally disagree. The appointed leader in any group of people has a huge influence on the dynamic of the group. Could anyone really argue that the only influence gerrard had at Liverpool was his performances on the pitch?

[DannyMan2006]

Totally disagree. The appointed leader in any group of people has a huge influence on the dynamic of the group. Could anyone really argue that the only influence gerrard had at Liverpool was his performances on the pitch?

Gerrard was a world class talent who everyone respected & could deal with the responsibility. We don't have any player like that in our squad.

As such, I don't think it does matter who we pick as captain, within reason.

[Kenneth]

The fact that we don't have such a player is the reason that having Henderson as captain is the worry.

[Venton]

In some ways having had Gerrard there for so long has suppressed the natural rise of another leader, just as when Bismarck was finally given the heave-ho in Germany. Given that and the huge churn of players over the last few years we have been left with a lacunae that Henderson might well fill if he can rise to the challenge. I say give him a chance.

[Norbs]

Well he's done quite well when given the chance according to the stats. Off the field the captain would need to be more of a character than on it. On it it stands to reason it's more of a marshaling role

[Nicey]

Captain in football means next to **** all. Not like cricket where they have a massive input into the game in terms of tactics etc. Who really gives a ****?

Its been said a number of times , its only England that has this obsession with captains ... in Europe it is seen as far less important especially at National level.

I think our record with hm as captain is actually very good

As it stands other than Milner (who I would not choose) I cannot see another candidate

[Exiled_red]

Captain in football means next to **** all. Not like cricket where they have a massive input into the game in terms of tactics etc. Who really gives a ****?

The captain needs to be someone who can lift the team or calm the team down when needed. Gerrard was good at the lead by example and lifting the team. Good players should do that anyway to be honest so to some extent I can see your point.

The other thing that a captain should do is the gamesmanship side of the game. In the referees ear all game, I know people claim that referees aren't influenced by players but I don't believe that for a minute, alot of the captains of the top sides have been good at manipulating the referee to help them in games.

[Kenneth]

Its been said a number of times , its only England that has this obsession with captains ... in Europe it is seen as far less important especially at National level.

I think our record with hm as captain is actually very good

As it stands other than Milner (who I would not choose) I cannot see another candidate

Sorry, but that's a horse**** statement.

[Shaggy]

I get the need for a figurehead but they come to the fore anyway. And you need more than one, so whoever gets it - be it Henderson, Sakho, Lucas - would ideally be one of a few anyway. Its importance is way overstated imo. I'm really not arsed who it is so long as it's not a completely ludicrous choice, obviously.

[danperkins]

Totally disagree. The appointed leader in any group of people has a huge influence on the dynamic of the group. Could anyone really argue that the only influence gerrard had at Liverpool was his performances on the pitch?

absolutely vital

[TheElephantMan]

I don't think there's anyone more suited to the role currently in the squad. Henderson is one of the senior players now and he can be a feisty ****er when required. I think Henderson could become a very good leader without the influence of Gerrard.

[Nicey]

Sorry, but that's a horse**** statement.

Actually its something I have heard a number of times by several european journalists and I agree with them, its a very English obsession, on the continent its not held with the same reverence. It starts with the National team every 2 years and it works it way down to the Lg and the focus on the so called big teams.

[Kenneth]

For me, the important aspect is having someone with the personality and influence to break up cliques and resolve differences in the group, keep them in check and stop them affecting the football. All groups of people come with group dynamics and politics, especially groups of young egotistical men. The manager has responsibility on one level and the captain on another. We don't see it, but every team has it, even at amateur level.

[Nicey]

I think we all have a very romanticized idea of what a captain of a football team is and in the modern game I am just not convinced it exists like that anymore

[danperkins]

No, nearly every successful team will have a captain who is a leader. Whether thats motivator, organiser & someone who drags the team up when needed.