A Liverpool Legend Returns as an Opponent: The Emotional Journey of Jordan Henderson
This Saturday night, emotions will run high as Jordan Henderson, the former Liverpool captain, faces his old club for the first time since his departure in 2023. But here's where it gets controversial: despite a painful exit, Henderson's legacy as a Liverpool great remains unshakable. And this is the part most people miss: his journey post-Liverpool has been anything but smooth, yet it’s a testament to his resilience and character.
Henderson’s return to the Premier League with Brentford is more than just a game; it’s a reunion filled with mixed feelings. For 12 years, he was the heart and soul of Liverpool, leading the team to every major trophy imaginable. From lifting the European Cup in 2019 to securing the Premier League title in 2020, Henderson was the embodiment of Jurgen Klopp’s ‘mentality monsters.’ His midfield partnership with the likes of James Milner, Emre Can, Gini Wijnaldum, and Fabinho was nothing short of legendary, losing just 24 league games between 2016 and 2023. But what happens when a legend is told he’s no longer indispensable?
After a challenging 2022-23 season, Klopp informed Henderson that he would no longer be an automatic starter. Feeling slighted, Henderson chose to leave rather than fight for his place. This decision, he admits, was one of the toughest of his career. ‘It felt like a breakup,’ he confessed. ‘I couldn’t even watch Liverpool games. It was that hard.’ His move to Al-Ettifaq, managed by former teammate Steven Gerrard, and subsequent spells at Ajax and Brentford, have been a rollercoaster. Yet, at 35, Henderson remains a pivotal figure in Brentford’s midfield, proving his detractors wrong once again.
But here’s the kicker: Henderson’s departure from Liverpool wasn’t just about football. As a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, his move to Saudi Arabia sparked widespread criticism. Had he stayed at Anfield, he would likely have been a key player in Klopp’s final season, battling on all fronts. Instead, he chose a path less traveled, one that has tested his resolve and strengthened his character.
Henderson’s playing style has often been underappreciated. His pinpoint passing, whether from deep or in the final third, is a masterclass in midfield artistry. This season alone, he’s made eight defensive line-breaking passes for Brentford, two of which led to goals—more than any Liverpool player has managed in the same period. And let’s not forget his devastating long-range strikes, like the ones against Manchester City in 2015 and Chelsea in 2016.
Off the field, Henderson’s influence is immeasurable. His leadership and commitment have earned him the respect of managers and teammates alike. Thomas Tuchel’s decision to recall him to the England squad in March, after initially overlooking him, speaks volumes about his enduring value. ‘I’m still playing at a high level,’ Henderson asserts. ‘People can think what they want, but the manager, the coaching staff, and the players know what I bring.’
As Henderson prepares to face Liverpool, the question lingers: Was his departure a mistake, or a necessary step in his evolution? His legacy as a Liverpool great is undeniable, but his journey since leaving Anfield is a story of resilience, redemption, and reinvention. Will he haunt his former club with a victory, or will the night be a bittersweet reunion? One thing is certain: Jordan Henderson’s name will forever be etched in Liverpool’s history, no matter which jersey he wears.
What do you think? Was Henderson right to leave Liverpool, or should he have stayed and fought for his place? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
