Steven Gerrard believes divisive Jordan Henderson can become a Liverpool legend

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has been backed to become a club legend by former captain Steven Gerrard.

Henderson, who signed from Sunderland for £20m in 2011, has largely been a marmite figure among some at Anfield splitting opinion on whether he is right for the club.

The midfielder has played 275 games across all competitions for the Reds and was named club captain when Gerrard retired in 2015.

And Gerrard believes Henderson can prove his doubters wrong by leading the club to glory.

“Amongst some supporters, he does [divides opinion], but not from me,” he told BT Sport.

“I’ve played with Jordan, I know what he’s about. He’s a very humble kid, very selfless, works his socks off.

“He is a Klopp type player: that energy, that pressing, that regaining the ball. And I believe this Liverpool team are stronger with him in the team.

“I think he needs a moment, I think he needs a trophy to get over that line to really get the few supporters that are maybe on his side, right on side.

“If he delivers this Champions League he’ll be a legend here forever.”

Henderson led Liverpool out in their Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma on Tuesday night, with the Reds looking to reach the final for the first time since 2007.

Henderson’s season so far

Despite being club captain, Henderson has seen his playing time slightly limited this season due to injury and the growing form of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

But when on the pitch, Henderson has created 24 chances in the league at an average of 1.11 per 90 minutes.

The England midfielder has also completed 84% of his passes in the Premier League so far this season, 66.1% of which have been forward.