It doesn’t happen often these days thanks to the unifying force that is Jurgen Klopp, but there was notable discord among Liverpool’s social media-using supporters on Monday.

The news that induced the conflict? A new five-year contract for club captain Jordan Henderson - a man whose understated nature makes him a peculiar choice for the role of Anfield’s most divisive figure.

There is a significant section of the fanbase who believe the Sunderland-born midfielder has no business representing the Reds; that he is a rare blind spot for a manager whose popularity is in no doubt.

Fortunately for Henderson, he does not split opinion in the only place that matters: Melwood.

There, the 28-year-old could not be more highly regarded in terms of his professionalism, or respected in his role as captain by players and coaches alike.

That includes the man so often touted by Henderson’s detractors as their preferred alternative in the role of captain - Virgil van Dijk.

Read more Liverpool captain Henderson signs new long-term contract

After taking up the armband for his national team back in March, the defender cited his club equivalent as an inspiration, saying: “Jordan does it very well at Liverpool and I look at the things he does. Hopefully, it can make me better and can help me.”

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold, the phenomenally talented Scouser who is expected to claim the captaincy himself one day, described the current incumbent as his “mentor” in June.

It seems Klopp acknowledges of the value of having a role model who embodies the selfless, team-first approach he espouses as part of a squad that provided the youngest starting XI in the Premier League on average last term.

Of course, none of this would matter were Henderson not in possession of the requisite ability to hold a place in a squad harbouring big ambitions.

But, somehow, his 41 appearances - 37 of which came as starts - in a campaign that featured a Champions League final and saw the Reds’ qualification for this season’s tournament secured do not appear to have settled that particular debate.

Nor does the midfielder’s role in England’s run to the semi-finals of the World Cup over the summer, despite many neutrals being won over by his performances in Russia.

Praise of Henderson’s contributions to those achievements can often be mistaken for declarations of his infallibility, but most would accept there are limitations to the Liverpool skipper’s game.

Read more Wijnaldum expects Liverpool rotation for daunting fixture run

Not the most elegant ball-player, the Englishman can occasionally be pressed into rash decisions in dangerous areas, as evidenced in the build-up to Leicester City’s goal in Saturday’s 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium.

He is also no natural to the holding midfield position he has occupied since the start of the 2016-17 campaign; his lack of defensive instincts at times letting him down.

For this reason, should Fabinho and Naby Keita live up to their sizeable fees, there is a chance that big games toward the back end of this season may not feature the club captain in a starting role.

But his experience and flexibility make him an invaluable option over the course of a campaign Klopp will hope features over 60 games courtesy of cup success.

Should that aim be realised, the resultant rotation will perhaps mean that Henderson never receives the consistent run of fixtures necessary to truly win over his social media naysayers.

No bother - he’ll just have to make do with adulation from his manager, teammates, and the Anfield crowd instead.