To celebrate captain Jordan Henderson making his 250th appearance for Liverpool against Newcastle we have ranked his 24 goals for the club.
Making 250 appearances for Liverpool is a huge achievement. It puts Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson at 78th in all time appearances for the club. Almost everyone above him is a legend. With only one League Cup to his name he still has a long way to go to be considered in the same pantheon as those heroes.
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At this moment in time, fan opinion on Henderson differs greatly. There are those who believe him to be one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. A tireless worker and flawless tactical implementer. His level of technique and passing greater than all his current England midfield peers.
However there are those who see him as being an unworthy inheritor of Steven Gerrard’s armband. An average player who has no overriding strengths. Capable of doing most things well but rarely excels. The chief criticism is that he does not dominate games.
In his early years the team was built around Gerrard. Now under Jürgen Klopp the team does not revolve around the strengths of one player. And if a midfielder does get given room to ‘take over’ a game it is Philippe Coutinho. That is no slight on Henderson.
He has not been a prolific scorer for the club, and often hasn’t been given that license to go forward. Yet, to date, he has scored 24 goals for the club including some real crackers. To celebrate his latest milestone we have ranked all of those goals.
24: v Swansea 2014/15
His lowest rank goal is by far the luckiest. Liverpool were coming towards the end of a hugely disappointing season under Brendan Rodgers. Just 12 months ago we had been in the throes of a thrilling title challenge. This season we had been knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage and would slump to a sixth place finish.
This goal was the only one in a 1-0 victory against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. Henderson was captain that day as Steven Gerrard had lost his place in the first team after a series of poor performances from the Liverpool legend.
The goal itself was very fortunate. Henderson made a great run into the box to run to a clever flick from Daniel Sturridge. He barely has time to make a touch before Jordi Amat comes flying in to make a tackle. The ball instantly ricochets off Henderson’s shin and arcs over the keeper into the back of the net to give Liverpool the victory.
23: v Arsenal 2014/15
This goal is the only penalty he has scored for the club. Again this was towards the end of the 2014/15 season and with Gerrard on the bench Henderson was on captain and penalty duties. Liverpool were 3-0 down in this game at the Emirates before he tucked away this penalty.
Hector Bellerin, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had given the Gunners an unassailable lead. Then in the 75th minute Bellerin brought down Raheem Sterling in the area for a penalty. Henderson put a soft penalty to the keepers right. David Ospina almost got a pal to it after guessing the right way. Luckily for Henderson it was just far and fast enough to evade his outstretched arm.
Any hope for Liverpool was short lived as Emre Can was sent off less than 10 minutes later for a second yellow and his first red card for the club. Oliver Giroud topped the victory a minute later by scoring to make for a 4-1 loss and a forgettable day for Reds fans.
22: v Udinese 2012/13
This was Henderson’s first European goal for the club. The game was away to Udinese in the group stage of the Europa League. The 1-0 victory sent the Reds through to the knockout stages. It was the first goal of the then 22-year-old’s season.
Stewart Downing fired in a corner that was headed strongly towards goal by Luis Suarez. The ball hit a defender and fell kindly to Suso who teed up Henderson. The Englishman struck it with his right foot. It was not a clean hit but bounced off a defender and found its way into the Udinese goal.
It was a crucial goal for the club and kept alive the European ambitions of Brendan Rodger’s side. The Northern Irishman had only been at the club a few months as was trying to impose his style of play on the team. The heavy possession ethos had thus far failed to reap many goals. This goal was a welcome one for new boss.
21: v Newcastle 2012/13
Henderson scored two goals in this game one of only two braces he has scored for Liverpool. This was the second of the two goals and carries an element of fortune but also highlights his technique. This was the sixth goal in an emphatic 6-0 victory at St. James’ Park. This was the first game of Luis Suarez’s suspension for biting Branislav Ivanovic in the previous game.
We won a free kick late in the game on the left hand side of the penalty area. Henderson lined it up and whipped it in for a cross. But the bend and pace of the free kick deceived Robert Elliott in goal. No one else got a touch and the ball ran into the far post to make it six nil.
With Gerrard, Suarez and Coutinho in the game it is a little surprising that Henderson was given the kick to take. Back then his delivery was a little more consistent than it has been in recent seasons. Also Coutinho rarely lets anyone have a sniff of a free kick near the box today.
20: v Spurs 2013/14
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. This goal is almost a carbon copy of the previous goal. This time it was the fourth goal of a 4-0 win at Anfield. This was during the sensational run into the 2013/14 season where we destroyed all our rivals.
The goal is another free kick from the left hand side. You can see in the video Henderson convincing Suarez to let him have it. He lines it up, bends it in and once it again in nestles in the far corner after nobody gets a touch.
I put this one ahead of the Newcastle goal because it is slightly further out and has even more pace and curl. It also beats Hugo Lloris who is a much harder keeper to fool than Rob Elliott. We could do with seeing more of this kind of delivery from corners right now!
19: v Leicester 2013/14
This was the fourth goal of the game against Leicester to give us a 3-1 lead. Henderson’s role in the goal is to not mess it up. After Raheem Sterling gets played into the box the ball runs on as the move looks to slow down. However Sterling is alive to the opportunity and creates a delicious backheel.
The ball lands perfectly for Henderson who just has to strike it well. He does that and gives it enough power to hit the huge gap in the middle of the net. The lone defender on the line thinks about making a save with his hand but decides not to.
The goal sealed the victory as 10-man Leicester were pushing to find the equalizer. It was only the second time of that season we managed to string two wins together. The end of 2014 feeling very different to the beginning as we adjusted to life after Luis Suarez.
18: v West Brom 2015/16
Henderson opened the scoring for the Red at Anfield in what would prove a disappointing 2-2 draw with West Brom. This goal was his first for Jürgen Klopp and came from a flowing move. Christian Benteke won the ball and headed it down for Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian shifted onto his right foot to and put in an inch perfect cross.
The cross found Adam Lallana, who was running in off the wing. Rather than try a difficult header towards goal, Lallana was smart enough to cushion it down for Henderson who had made a clever run past the penalty spot. He tucked it away with calm precision.
Henderson only has four goals under Klopp’s reign as the German manager has primarily used him as a deep midfielder. This has hit his goal scoring rate hard.
17: v Newcastle 2012/13
The first goal of his brace against Newcastle in 2013. This was the second goal of the came and came from a beautiful, fluid counter attack. Again, Henderson’s role in the goal is to apply the finish but the whole move makes this a wonderful goal to watch.
A long ball out to Daniel Sturridge is brought down by the England striker who lays it off to th on rushing Coutinho. The Brazilian then plays a first time through-ball back to Sturridge who has made a clever turn into space. Unselfishly he squares it off to his England teammate Henderson who hits it home.
Watching this goal you remember how fast Jordan Henderson can be. He is not necessarily the quickest off the mark but his flat running speed is impressive. He makes a long bursting run to get on the end of this move.
16: v Swansea 2013/14
Another goal from the title run in of that season. There are many more of Henderson’s goals that will be more impressive but not many more important. This goal was the winner in s 4-3 barn stormer that helped ignite belief in the squad for the team to go on that long winning streak under Brendan Rodgers.
The move was started from deep with a raking long pass from Steven Gerrard to fins Luis Suarez who had drifted left. The Uruguayan controls it perfectly before driving inside. He has the opportunity then to lay it off for Henderson’s late run in the middle but decides to shoot instead.
The shot is a poor one and rebounds off the Swansea center back to land perfectly for Henderson. He hits it first time but it’s straight at the keeper. Yet the goalie cannot hold onto to it and Henderson runs onto the loose ball and slams it home for a famous victory.
15: v Spurs 2013/14
Another goal where Henderson gets two bites of the cherry. This was the game where we one 5-0. That heavy defeat was enough to give Andre Villas-Boas his marching orders. The Portuguese manager was fired shortly after.
This was a typical goal of that season and was a lethal rapid move from the Reds. A long ball out to Coutinho is passed first time, with one touch, to Henderson who was bombing forward. He hits a good strike but Hugo Lloris makes a smart save. The rebound falls perfectly to Suarez who tries to chip the keeper.
Somehow Lloris has got back up and manages to get a hand on the shot. The ball drops back into Henderson’s path. He hits it on the volley to give Liverpool the 2-0 advantage. This was a game that brought attacking potential of this Brendan Rodger’s side into focus for many onlookers.
14: v Ludogorets 2014/15
This is Henderson’s only Champions League goal to date. The Reds were back in the competiton for the first time in a few seasons. This 2-2 draw to European minnows Ludogorets was crucial in Liverpool failing to make it out of the group stage.
Raheem Sterling broke away midway through the first half and found himself in an acre of space. Rather than take it on himself he spots Henderson’s gut busting run on the right-wing. Sterling threaded the ball to the back post for Henderson to tuck away like a striker from a tight angle.
The goal gave Liverpool the lead after they had been down after three minutes. A Rickie Lambert equalizer restored parity before Henderson struck. A late goal from Ludogorets took a share of the spoils for the Bulgarians. It would end up costing Liverpool dearly.
13: v Norwich 2015/16
Jürgen Klopp had been in the job for a few months and was just about getting his team together before this nutzoid 5-4 game with Norwich. It is famous for Lallana’s late winner and Klopp losing his glasses in the ensuing celebration chaos.
Liverpool had taken the lead early through Firmino before slumping to being 3-1 down shortly after halftime to a Hoolahan penalty. Just a minute later and Henderson had restored hope. A swift move down the right side was put in to the Liverpool captain who hit a sweet first time volley into the far corner.
Liverpool would then score two more goals through Firmino and Milner to take the lead before a heart breaking equalizer from Bassong in the 92nd minute. Yet there was still time for one more twist with Adam Lallana’s 95th minute winner sending the Reds crazy.
12: v West Brom 2014/15
The previous season had been Henderson’s break out year as a Liverpool player. He went from being a young player with potential to a first team regular and high performer. Many credit the loss to Chelsea in 2013/14 to missing him through suspension.
This goal was the first of the following season and helped convince people that the previous season was no fluke. It was the winning goal and has some similarities to some of his previous strikes. The ball being played to him as he runs into the box and he tucks it past the keeper at the far post again.
It is worth watching the whole of this video. It is perhaps one of his best games for the club. He is dominate in this game in the way that people want him to be now. Interestingly he is given far more license than he currently has to create. His link up play with Lallana and Coutinho is sumptuous. Makes you remember how much he misses not having Lallana in the side now.
11: v Aston Villa 2012/13
Most of Henderson’s goals are clean strikes. Full blooded wellies or steered passes into the net. This goal shows off a much cuter touch. Future Red Christian Benteke had opened the scoring for Aston Villa with a, you guessed it, header.
As Liverpool soaked up another attack at Villa Park they hit quickly and incisively on the break. A ball out to Coutinho saw him take a touch away from his marker on to his right foot. He then plays a thread through the eye of a needle pass through two defenders. Henderson, making a bursting run – so common in these goals, lets the ball run just inside the box.
He then strikes it first time but not with his usual driving shot. He chips the ball over the hapless Brad Guzan. It spins into the back of the net for one of Henderson’s cleverest goals for the club. The ball goes from box to box to back of the net in barley a blink of an eye.
10: v Leicester 2017/18
His first entry in the top ten is his most recent goal and only strike so far this season. In a tweak to his midfield trio Jürgen Klopp played Emre Can as the deepest midfielder agains Leicester. This let Henderson play slightly further forward. That tactical switch saw Henderson rediscover the goal scoring touch we saw much more of earlier in his Liverpool career.
A strong Liverpool first half saw them take a 2-0 lead before an Okazaki goal late in the first half stoppage time halved the lead. As Leicester probed for an equalizer in the second half Liverpool countered.
Daniel Sturrdige drove forward towards the opposition penalty area before he squared it to Henderson. It seems at first as if he takes an unnecessary touch but it cleverly dummies Harry Maguire who has come in to block a shot. The touch puts the ball onto Henderson’s right and he bangs it home for the 3-1 lead. It would eventually be the winning goal of the game. His best performance of the season so far.
9: v Chelsea 2011/12
What strikes you from watching the video from this game is just how confident Henderson is. Six years of wearing the shirt weighs heavy on some players. He has faced plenty of criticism and the armband has only increased the pressure on him. It is fun to watch him back when he had little worries and could play from his talent and instincts.
This was his second goal for the club and came in a late season thrashing of Chelsea during Kenny Dalglish’s one full season in his second spell as manager. He initially gets lucky with the center back slipping but from that point on it is all confidence and technique.
He then faces down Petr Cech before side footing a precision shot into the right hand corner. When you watch the goal you have to check that it is not Torres scoring. Such is the pace technique and composure of the young Henderson.
8: v Notts County 2013/14
This is Henderson’s only goal in the League Cup. The game itself was a victory all be it a frustratingly difficult one against lower league opposition. The game had gone into extra time after Liverpool had let a two goal lead slip. Sturridge had restored the lead before Henderson sealed it with this great goal deep into extra time.
Jordan Ibe holds off a defender well before playing a ball to his left to Henderson. He sees the space in front of him an drives forward. The center back comes out to meet him but Henderson plays very deft pass around him.
He picks up his own ball on the edge of the box and opens his body. He then side foots home a lovely finish to the right hand side of the goal to send Liverpool through to the next round of the League Cup.
7: v Arsenal 2012/13
Luis Suarez had already put Liverpool ahead before Henderson scored a one man goal of sheer willpower. This was a huge Premier League game at the Emirates and Liverpool needed a positive result. Henderson picks the ball up from Daniel Sturridge 30 yards out from goal. He proceeds to jink left and right fooling the flummoxed Arsenal defenders.
One last dummy to his left sets him up for the finish. He pokes the ball with his right foot but the keeper stands. Yet the rebound falls to Henderson’s left foot and slams the ball home for the 2-0 lead. Two second half goals from the Gunners would mean that we would only grab a point.
Despite criticism over the years no one can doubt the effort given by our captain. He always gives the club his everything. You cannot label any accusations against him of laziness or apathy. This goal highlights his work ethic and determination. This time round he got his due reward.
6: v Bolton Wanderers 2011/12
I think it was a blessing that Jordan Henderson did not have to wait long to score his first goal for Liverpool. That is was also a really good goal was even better. Many players come to Liverpool and struggle with the expectations.
Henderson came from Sunderland as 21-year-old with a huge (at the time) price tag of £15 million. The young player had taken Xabi Alonso’s number 14 shirt. Bold choice, lad. It was a huge signing for Kenny Dalglish and represented FSG’s big window of spending in their first summer in charge. We have yet to see them repeat that splurge.
It is a slightly unusual goal for Henderson in that it is a left footed strike. Dirk Kuyt works the ball to him in the right hand corner of the box. He take a dummy shot and shifts on to his left. Then he curls a beauty into the top left hand corner of the goal to open his account for the Reds.
5: v Swansea 2013/14
The first goal of a brace that day it set Liverpool off for a crucial victory. The later winner was exciting but this goal was stunning. Henderson is there waiting on the edge of the area screaming for the ball to be played to him.
Eventually it get laid off to him in an acre of space. He take one perfect touch to set himself before slinging a peach of a curler over the keeper into the top left hand corner. This began a crazy game where ex-Liverpool man Jonjo Shelvey scored for both teams.
My favorite angle of the goal is from behind the goal. From there you can see the wicked whip that comes on ball. The other great thing is that you can see closer the utter dejection of the Swansea keeper as he knows he has absolutely no chance of saving the belter.
4: v Norwich 2012/13
One of the reasons it was so important for Jordan Henderson to score his first goal so early was because it would be a long time before he would make it to his third goal. He went almost all of the previous season without a second goal before grabbing one late in the season against Chelsea. He had to wait until January of 2013 to get his third league goal.
But it was well worth the wait. Henderson impressed in the 5-0 rout of Norwich and got his goal to open the scoring. It was the first time that Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez had started a game together so all eyes were on that partnership but Henderson upstaged them early with this peach.
Like many Liverpool goals in that era, Luis Suarez does all the hard work. The Uruguayan wins the ball with his back to goal and makes a nice turn before popping the ball over to Henderson. He is expecting a one-two. Hendo has other ideas. The ball arrives to him awkwardly in mid-air. But he just hits it on the half-volley. Actually he spanks it, thundering into the top right corner for a wonderful goal to end his drought in the league.
3: v Burnley 2014/15
What I love about this goal is the Gerrard-ness. Philippe Coutinho is trying to open up some room for himself to shoot. He gets one away but it is straight at the defender. The ball comes out to Henderson around 20 yards and he powers it into the right hand corner.
It is reminiscent of Gerrard’s strikes against Olympiakos in the Champions League winning year 10 years previously. Also you can se hints of the 2006 FA Cup final winner. Henderson does not so much hit the ball as he does dismiss. It’s a denial of the ball’s very existence.
The way Henderson celebrates too is wonderful. Yep, I just did that. I am Liverpool captain. I am Gerrard’s inheritor and I’m gonna some mad things like he did. Tom Heaton does not have any chance whatsoever of saving this.
2: v Man City 2014/15
There are many impressive goals on this list but the top two are simply sensational. In Brendan Rodgers’ last full season at the club the Reds were still fighting for a Champions League spot in the last few months. Manchester City we vying for the title with Chelsea. Liverpool took all three points in this game.
The opening goal came from a counter attack. Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling start a buzzing move deep into City territory. The good movement of Lallana draws the defenders with him leaving Henderson unattended on the left side. Sterling feeds him the ball and he stops it dead on the edge of the area.
The defenders quickly realizes the space he has and close him down. Henderson takes a sharp knock to the right opening up the whole goal to shoot at. But he is not looking at a wide gap. He is looking at the very top right hand corner. He lets fly just as Yaya Toure comes in to make a tackle and the ball soars into the very top of the net. A stunning goal to set up a great win.
1: v Chelsea 2016/17
If you liked that last one you’re going to love this one. It was the first meeting in the Premier League of Jürgen Klopp and Antonio Conte. The Blues would go on to win the league but they would not take any home points from Liverpool. Dejan Lovren had given Liverpool the lead early in the first half. Chelsea had fought hard to get a hold back on the game and it looked to be in the balance.
A throw deep in Chelsea territory saw a ball played into the box that was immediately cleared outside of the box. It was hit straight to Henderson. The Liverpool captain took one touch to bring it down before surprising everyone with a quick shot..
When he scored this goal I had to double-check it wasn’t Coutinho. Power, pace, curl, perfect placement. The thing is that Thibault Courtois is not a small keeper. Yet he can get nowhere near it as it arcs so far above him and drops into the top corner.
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The camera barley moves quick enough because it is hit with so much power. A true wonder goal and one worthy of the Liverpool armband.