Last season Liverpool were painfully devoid of leadership. Steven Gerrard was not the inspiration he had been, Jordan Henderson was doing a bad job of imitating him and the likes of Martin Skrtel and Rickie Lambert just weren't able to fill the void as much as Brendan Rodgers would have liked.
The Liverpool boss, has for the most part, looked to youth in the transfer market. It can be a good strategy but one that has left a bit of a leadership vacuum in the aftermath of Gerrard's departure. Henderson has been the go-to captain but as much as he may try and convince everyone otherwise (thanks for that Joey Barton), doubts still remain.
That's why James Milner's expected signing is interesting. Many fans have baulked at suggestions that Milner could be Gerrard's replacement but none other than Jamie Carragher seems to be all for it, even going as far as suggesting that Milner could be in line for the captaincy.
The fact that Brendan Rodgers wouldn't confirm Jordan Henderson as this season's captain even though he was captain in Gerrard's absence last season makes me think him and Milner could be competing for the armband. Was that another thing that enticed Milner to join?
It seems Carragher may have been getting a bit of stick for that viewpoint as he has since clarified his comments.
I didn't say Milner would/should be captain if he signed! BR didn't confirm JH so I think he may be thinking of other options he may be 1!!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 3, 2015
He may not have said he should be captain but the fact that it's a possibility is indicative of just how short on leadership Liverpool have been and may continue to be next season.
[Kicca]
