It was this time of year five years ago that Steven Gerrard announced he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. The search for a new captain began. 

When Jordan Henderson was announced as the legendary midfielder's successor, it left many feeling underwhelmed. 

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, of course, but the tendency to see Henderson as workmanlike and uninspiring has persisted even into the current campaign. 

Central midfield is still so often highlighted as the Reds' weakest area, though that's partly a result of their incredible attack and defence. 

Yet Henderson is slowly but surely winning over his critics with every step his team take towards the title. 

The former Sunderland man has already guided Liverpool to the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup. 

It shouldn't take that level of silverware for him to be recognised for his leadership, and what's more, his footballing role shouldn't be underestimated either. 

A video of Henderson's highlights has been compiled, including his two goals and three assists, all the way up until his most recent header against Wolves. 

Some of the passes he picks out are out of this world. 

There's none of the sideways passing and lacklustre movement his critics have slammed him for in the past. 

The 29-year-old has got better and better under Jurgen Klopp. Anyone who doesn't rate him this season hasn't been paying attention. 

Perhaps Henderson is one of those players who looks far better when he's surrounded by other top players, something which hasn't always been the case consistently over the course of his nine years on Merseyside. 

Either way, it's only right that he is set to lift the trophy he has most coveted in recent seasons in just a few short months.