Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on Jordan Henderson, claiming that the midfielder has "the most difficult job" in English football.
Since moving to Anfield in 2011, Henderson has divided opinion among the club's supporters, but Klopp placed faith in the England international by handing him the captaincy.
Klopp has also insisted that the 27-year-old has been coping with the responsibility of replacing club legend Steven Gerrard, who left Liverpool in 2015.
At a press conference, the 50-year-old told reporters: "Jordan knows what I think about him and Gareth Southgate is thinking about him. Jordan can improve but he has been a strong player this year. That is why he is playing for us and is our skipper.
"The last game was outstanding from him in many parts. He controlled the game and his passing was excellent. He was patient. He has the most difficult job in England - he had to replace Steven Gerrard.
"I hope people don't think about that any more, he is an individual person. I thought he did really well to deal with it. When fit he is a fantastic footballer."
Former Chelsea midfielder Tony Cascarino has claimed that Henderson regularly performs to the same level as Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Manchester United's Nemanja Matic.