Liverpool: Why This Will Be Jordan Henderson’s Breakout Campaign

Jordan Henderson played the full 90 in Liverpool's 1-0 opening day home win over Stoke City. He did well in Liverpool's midfield alongside Lucas and Steven Gerrard, picking his spots to go forward, and almost getting on the scoresheet himself. Henderson played in 30 Premier League games last season, but 14 of those appearances came off the bench. In his second year in Brendan Rodgers' system, Henderson could be set for more a steadfast run in the starting 11 for a couple simple reasons.

1.) Versatility.

Saying "a poor man's Steven Gerrard" seems to carry a rather back-handed connotation, but I'll try to explain it as nothing but the contrary. He can play further forward, behind the striker like he did Saturday, in a more defensive role, or out wide right. The ability to play each one and interchange between them emphasizes his versatility and his in-game movement echoed by Brendan Rodgers' system.

Gerrard's ability to play both ways and be "the complete midfield player," was always one of his great strengths. Hell, he played right-back for a bit in Liverpool's 2005 Champions League Final victory over AC Milan. Henderson looks to have similar intangibles and a similar style of play but possibly not the polish of the Liverpool captain. With his tools, continued improvement could bring the makings of a big year.

2.) He's the last one left.

Brendan Rodgers likes him. He must. Because he's one of the few Liverpool players left who were purchased during Kenny Dalglish's most recent tenure. Charlie Adam, Andy Carroll and now Stuart Downing are all gone with Liverpool taking in some cases a significant financial loss, particularly in the case of Andy Carroll.

Gerrard and Lucas seemed destined to start except in the case of injury or squad rotation. So the final midfield spot was up for Henderson or Rodgers' favorite son from his Swansea days, Joe Allen. It's but one game, but Rodgers picked Henderson and the Englishman put in a performance warranting continued first team consideration if not inclusion.

3.) A lack of midfield changes.

Rodgers must be pretty much satisfied with what he has in midfield as evident by the absence of additions. Jay Spearing made a permanent move to Bolton Wanderers and Jonjo Shelvey also moved on to Swansea City. Unless an unforeseen addition is coming, Henderson looks to be playing a larger role in Liverpool's three-man central midfield. And that continued run in the first team could be a recipe for personal success for the kid from the northeast.

Henderson made his name at Sunderland, starting all but one Premier League game in the '10-'11 season, and getting called up to the England squad in the process. When Liverpool bought him in during the summer of 2011, he played in the same number of EPL games starting 31. With the arrival of Brendan Rodgers his game time went down, but given the time he's had to adapt to his system, Henderson could be set for a big season for first club and then country.