Jurgen Klopp’s mantra for success is no secret.
During his time at Anfield, the German has been instrumental in developing the team he’s been given into the cream of the crop.
Under him, unproven talents like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez have blossomed into class acts in defence.
Up front, it is the same story, with the likes of Bobby Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah coming onto their own and forming one of the most lethal front three in the world.
Arguably, however, the gaffer would be more proud of a different project of his – Jordan Henderson.
Henderson impresses Stevie G
The Englishman has been part of the Reds’ set up for about nine years now. He languished as a rotational midfielder for the best part of Brendan Rodgers’ tenure.
However, under Klopp, he has been a revelation, anchoring the team with his stellar leadership abilities. He has become an invaluable mainstay for the squad.
During a programme on UK’s BT Sport, Reds legend Steven Gerrard was of the exact same opinion.
In his words, Henderson has not just become an exceptional leader. Under Klopp’s tutelage, Stevie G believes that Hendo has improved nearly all aspects of his game, like his passing and defensive abilities.
Henderson’s athleticism and utter selflessness on the pitch have been a major part of the Reds’ success, according to Gerrard.
"When you play alongside him you appreciate the job he does for the team."
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 25, 2020
"He's running games with control a bit like how Paul Scholes used to do it."
Steven Gerrard has watched Jordan Henderson grow on and off the pitch 👏#EarlyKickOff pic.twitter.com/p3zG9f4Yw9
Gerrard ignites ‘red’ hot debate
However, Manchester United fans have taken major offence to one of Gerrard’s passing remarks. During the interview, he casually happened to mention that Henderson’s knack for controlling games reminds him of Red Devils and England legend Paul Scholes.
The Old Trafford faithful were instantly aggrieved by what they think is a blasphemous comparison. Scholes was no mere footballer; for a generation of British fans, he was an icon.
Throughout his career, the man held his own in a United side chock full of world class footballers.
Week in and week out, he secured his place in the starting lineup alongside names like Ronaldo, Giggs and Keane.
Whatever achievements Henderson has earned so far are blown out of the water when Scholesy is brought into the equation.
Admittedly a solid footballer, surely Henderson, in any way, holds up to the same standards as the Ginger Prince?
Rio having none of it
Another United legend and a compatriot to all of the gentlemen in question, Rio Ferdinand seemed to echo similar feelings.
On an Instagram post criticizing Gerrard, the former defender provided his take on the situation.
According to him, Scholes’ all-round game, with his wide variety of roles is, simply put, unmatched.
While obviously light hearted, his statement was definitive – Scholesy is of a different calibre altogether. And there will be no comparison made to any current player, let alone Henderson, in that matter.
