Jordan Henderson has signed a new long-term deal with Liverpool.
The England international has been one of Brendan Rodgers most consistent performers this term, having become a key feature in the team after a difficult start following his move from Sunderland in 2011.
The 24-year-old has regularly assumed the captaincy due to the reduced playing time of Steven Gerrard.
With club legend Gerrard due to leave for LA Galaxy at the end of the season, Henderson is virtually guaranteed to be named his successor as skipper.
It s brilliant news for me to commit my future to this football club, he told the club s official website.
I really feel that it s a good time for us to look forward to the future, with the squad we ve got, the manager, the size of the club and the fans we ve got. I really think, over the next few years, we can challenge and start winning trophies.
That s the next phase; we ve improved massively over the last few years, and I think the next phase for us is to start challenging for titles and trophies as well.
Manager Rodgers has been effusive in his praise of the midfielder during a season that has seen Liverpool drop out of the UEFA Champions League at the group stages while failing to match last term s Premier League title tilt.
The Northern Irishman added: Jordan is a brilliant professional and his dedication to his career and football in general makes him a role model to all young players.
He has faced adversity in his time at Liverpool, but his improvement, growth and development is entirely down to his own hunger, commitment and willingness to learn and be better.
The fact he has made such a long-term commitment to Liverpool is a sign of his belief in what we are looking to do here. He will have a crucial role to play as we look to take this side forward and look to add success to the progress we have made.
