Former Reds captain Steven Gerrard has hailed “role model” Jordan Henderson for his part in organizing a charity fund to help health services in the UK during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Liverpool midfielder was widely credited for taking up the initiative in launching the Players Together Fund that will see Premier League players donate funds to NHS charities. The Players Together Fund will provide financial assistance to NHS workers on the frontline that are eager for monetary aid.
Henderson’s leadership qualities have also been crystal clear to see on the pitch since succeeding Steven Gerrard as Liverpool captain in 2015, none more so than this term prior to the coronavirus that suspended the Premier League indefinitely.
The 39-year-old Steven Gerrard played alongside Henderson for four seasons at Merseyside and the current Rangers manager has praised the 29-year-old for growing in stature during his time at Anfield.
While speaking to Sky Sports, Gerrard recalled an incident when Henderson arrived at the club as a shy boy but selfless in nature labelling his fellow English compatriot a dream to play alongside, “I remember he came into Liverpool as a shy lad from Sunderland and his family asked me to keep an eye on him and look after him, He’s a very selfless person, on and off the pitch. He was a dream to play with because of his energy. I’m certainly one who’s always sung his praises because I appreciate the job he did in the team. I think he’s got better and better from a football point of view but, as a person, I think what he’s done over the last couple of weeks sums the human being up.”
The Liverpool legend then explained that Henderson is a top-class player and an even better man who deserves the success he has earned becoming a role model for youngsters, “He’s a fantastic man and he’s become a top-class midfielder. Everything he earns in the game and every accolade he gets he absolutely deserves it. He’s a role model to a lot of young kids.”
