Gerrard hails Liverpool’s Henderson for rising above criticism

(Reuters) – Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been hailed as the “best professional” by former skipper Steven Gerrard after the midfielder led the Merseyside club to their sixth European Cup.

Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Saturday’s Champions League final to claim their first League Cup trophy since 2012 and Gerrard added he was “especially proud” of Henderson’s refusal to give up in the face of critics.

Henderson joined Liverpool in 2011 but came close to leaving a year later before finally establishing himself as a first-team regular, replacing the departing Gerrard as club captain in 2015.

“If I had to name someone who I consider the best professional, then Jordan would be right at the top of the list,” Gerrard wrote in a Times newspaper column on Tuesday.

“He’s selfless, he puts himself at the back of the queue because he takes care of everyone else first. He puts Jordan Henderson in last place.”

Henderson faced criticism early in his Liverpool career, with former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson saying in his autobiography that he missed out on signing the midfielder due to concerns about his running style.

“Everybody in football is being questioned,” added Gerrard. “Jordan has had his share, but he’s doing well and the best thing to do is let your football do the talking. That’s what he did, that’s what he’ll continue to do.”

When Juergen Klopp took charge of the club in 2015, a lack of cover in defensive midfield forced him to place Henderson in a deeper role, but the 28-year-old has also made decisive contributions in an advanced position in this season.

“He’s got running power, you can trust him with the ball, he’s got a good range of passes,” Gerrard said. “In recent months, (he) has accepted the challenge of pushing Liverpool forward and has been in top form.”

With Liverpool set to resume their title battle with Premier League champions Manchester City next season, Gerrard said he hopes his former team-mate will start from winning the Champions League to collect more trophies.

“Hopefully this will become the catalyst for him to lift more trophies above his head,” Gerrard said. I know that’s what he wants.”

(Reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)