« Previous: No. 24, Hugo Lloris | Next: No. 22, Angel Di Maria »

Welcome to ESPN FC's #PremRank.

ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.

Why Jordan Henderson makes the list

Meet the new boss, he's somewhat like the old boss. Henderson may not possess anywhere near the same level of sensational talent as Steven Gerrard, or be as capable of so brilliantly deciding big games, but the 24-year-old is still the outgoing captain's most obvious successor as Liverpool leader in so many ways. He offers a drive, an influence, leadership by example and the same type of resilience. There is also something of irony here because Henderson's durability and tactical discipline probably make him more suited to the all-action central midfield role that Gerrard always thought he was ideal for.

Henderson's running is certainly essential to Brendan Rodgers' approach, given how it fills so many gaps to facilitate the manager's idealised fluidity, but the English midfielder has filled other gaps this season too. He has offered some big goals when Liverpool have been ailing, most conspicuously the fortuitous strike away to Swansea City that came as a consequence of his industry, and his general strike rate has also improved this season. That trend is likely to continue given his age, his evolution and his increasing influence. - Miguel Delaney

The stats that tell the story

- His 16 assists the past two Premier League seasons are tied for third most in the league behind Santi Cazorla (19) and Cesc Fabregas (18).
- Ranked seventh in the league with 2,735 touches and sixth with 1,882 completed passes this season.

What the experts say

"Has become a key player over the last couple of seasons and is the most likely to inherit the captaincy ... a fine example of what can be achieved through hard work, a willingness to learn and a refusal to throw in the towel." - David Usher

"Providing a driving force from midfield, his performances have both attacking and defensive input ... among the top-performing central midfielders in England" - WhoScored

"He is unbelievable. He has matured as a player over the last two seasons and he has kicked on to another level." - Adam Lallana

« Previous: 24. Hugo Lloris | Next: No. 22, Angel Di Maria »