Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is delighted with the emergence of Jordan Henderson.
Rodgers would not confirm Henderson was definitely in line for the future captaincy but he did praise the 24-year-old's development in a leadership role.
"When I first came in he was searching for his status at the club but the team who brought him in before knew he was a good persona and a strong character and that has continued," said the Reds boss.
"Now you see his leadership qualities on and off the field; he will protect the team and his colleagues and he is a wonderful ambassador for the club.
"I felt by giving him the vice-captain he could carry that if Steven wasn't playing and he does it with great pride and honour.
"As a footballer he is still improving and developing and he will continue to do that.
"He was given the vice-captaincy role, that doesn't always mean that player goes on to become the captain. It is not automatic.
"But certainly at this moment in time when Steven doesn't play he does it in great fashion.
"When you see him in the tunnel leading out the team he has great presence and good status and the supporters respond to him,
"He is in a really good moment."
