Mark Lawrenson: Henderson Is Not The Right Pick For Liverpool Captain

Mark Lawrenson has argued that Jordan Henderson wouldn't be right for the Liverpool captaincy, insisting that the pressure would be too much for the flourishing midfielder.

After sealing a big-money move to Anfield in 2011, for the first two seasons many argued that Henderson wasn't living up to his billing. But slowly the England international has morphed into an important part of the Reds' line-up and as Steven Gerrard came off the pitch against Sunderland he was handed the captain's band.

Some have pinpointed Henderson for the leadership role permanently when Gerrard leaves Liverpool at the end of the season but Lawrenson believes that the 24-year-old will have enough problems without his midfield partner around without the extra pressure.

"Steven Gerrard hasn't gone yet but, already, talk is turning to who will replace him as skipper," he said in the Liverpool Echo.

"And although he is favourite for the role, I wouldn't give it to Jordan Henderson. It seems unfair to burden such responsibility on Henderson, who will have enough on his plate helping to fill the gap in midfield left by Gerrard's absence.

"That shouldn't be underestimated. And it's something I feel he should be allowed to focus his attention on. There's so much to being Liverpool captain."

Lawrenson also argued that Martin Skrtel would be a better fit for the captain's role, saying: "If I'm being honest, I believe we have other players with more leadership qualities.

"Martin Skrtel is one. He plays almost every game, could handle the responsibility and it would help him communicate more with his team-mates on the field, which has always been an issue.

"He is a battler, too. Look at the Arsenal game. He got stood on the head by Olivier Giroud but there was no way he was going to go off, instead staying on to head home a late equaliser."

Liverpool will certainly be looking at some changes in their line-up in Gerrard's absence, with the England international having featured for the club for over 15 years.