Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has spoken highly of Reds midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Owen, who also used to play for Newcastle United, was a winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2001 and knows what it takes to be regarded as one of the best in your profession.
He scored over 150 goals in almost 300 matches before leaving for Real Madrid in 2004.
The ex-England international has heralded Liverpool vice-captain Henderson as ‘world-class’. He told the official Premier League website:
“Everybody’s talking about Harry Kane and what a fantastic season in the Premier League.
“But I just want to give a mention to another homegrown player in Jordan Henderson.
“Since his move from Sunderland it was a little bit of a struggle.
“But in the last season he really has developed into a world-class football player.
“[He was] in the shadow of Steven Gerrard maybe, but with Gerrard on his way out, and the captaincy available, now is the time for Henderson to really develop and kick on his career.”
Henderson has developed into one of Brendan Rodgers’ key players and was ever-present in the Liverpool team last season.
He played 37 league matches last term, and 34 the season before.
The former Sunderland man contributed with six goals and nine assists from midfield and is often used in various positions thanks to his versatility.
Owen continued: “I think he’s going to be Liverpool and England’s dominant midfield player for years to come.”
The England international is expected to succeed Steven Gerrard as the new captain of Liverpool.
