Jordan Henderson is no Steven Gerrard, says Liverpool star Emre Can in praise of captain
Liverpool star Emre Can has come out in praise of team captain Jordan Henderson.
Can made it clear that Henderson is no Steven Gerrard.
Instead, Can described Henderson of being a great player in his own right.
The Germany international of Turkish origin underlined that Gerrard should not be held as a benchmark for Henderson as he is a different player.
Can revealed that Henderson has had to struggle with trying to replace the legendary captain.
“I know when Stevie left, it was not easy for Jordan because he became the captain after Stevie. The fans wanted him to do very well like Stevie in the first year, but Jordan Henderson is Jordan Henderson, he’s not Stevie,” Can told the official Liverpool website.
The 23-year-old praised Henderson’s passing ability, awareness and how well he keeps hold of possession.
“The first year, he struggled with a lot of injuries and it was not easy for him. But this year when he has played, he was just brilliant. He’s always there for the team in the No.6 [position]. He’s a very, very good passer and he never loses the ball. He always knows what is around him,” he added.
Can described Henderson as being a great leader and a player that does not get the respect he deserves.
“For me, Hendo is a really, really top player. On the pitch he is top and off the pitch he is a real captain. On the pitch he is a real captain. He’s always speaking to us, he’s always there for the team if you need something. Sometimes he doesn’t get the praise he should get,” Can said.
The powerful midfielder may have waxed lyrical about Henderson in the interview but Can has competed with the captain for playing time at times this season.
Can arguably won his place back in the starting-lineup recently as a result of Henderson’s foot injury.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man has been in great form since Henderson’s injury.
The Reds are unbeaten in their last seven games in which Can has started and questions are being asked whether he should keep his place in the team once Henderson recovers.
Can is expected to start on Sunday against Crystal Palace.
