Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has urged the fans to rally around current skipper Jordan Henderson following an injury-plagued 2015-16 campaign.
Henderson was limited to just 15 Premier League starts last season as Liverpool struggled to an eighth-place finish and missed out on European football entirely.
Questions have been raised as to whether the 26-year-old merits a place in Jurgen Klopp's starting XI during the upcoming campaign, but Gerrard believes that his former teammate can be an important player for the club.
"I think we all need to get behind Jordan. The manager, the staff and the fans. He had a very difficult year last year with injuries, I've been there when you're injured and frustrated," he told The Anfield Wrap.
"It affects your confidence and you're desperate to get back. [You see] other players coming in and doing well, people are doubting you and saying that we should move him on. I've heard it all. But if we all get behind Henderson and he finds his top form he can be a very big asset for Klopp this year.
"I'm hoping he starts the season strong, gets his confidence early and I think he will be a big player for us. I just want everyone to get behind him and give him that chance."
Liverpool will begin their season away to Arsenal on August 14.
Barney Corkhill
