Daily Star Sunday

Henderson hailed by Jurgen for star turn

- By STEVE MILLAR

FROM Chester to Russia with love.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp sent congratula­tions to his captain Jordan Henderson on reaching the World Cup Semi-Final with England.

Klopp was busy managing his side in a friendly at Chester when Henderson was putting in another workaholic shift for the Three Lions against Sweden in the Samara Arena yesterday.

But at the final whistle

– with Liverpool running out comfortabl­e 7-0 winners at Chester’s Swansway Stadium – news that England were victorious brought that trademark grin to the German’s face.

Klopp was delighted for Henderson, a player he has been happy to work with since becoming Liverpool manager in October 2015.

The Kop boss loves Henderson’s honesty.

He admires his work-rate and hails him a “proper leader” in the England team as well as his own at Anfield.

Klopp said: “Yes, England are there so that’s a good result.

“Obviously I didn’t see the match unfortunat­ely – but so far Jordan has played a brilliant World Cup campaign.

“He’s been very mature. A proper leader in the team.

“You can see it. Everybody can see that this England team is offensivel­y very skilled.

“And you need a few serious persons in the team to keep it all together.

“I like how Jordan’s doing that.

“He’s still involved in all the offensive things, set-pieces and all that stuff.

“He’s also made a few wonderful passes. He controls the game and I really like that.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold won his first cap before the World Cup and then he also played in a World Cup game.

“He has done really well too.”

Klopp was also happy to send his congratula­tions to England boss Gareth Southgate and his Belgium counterpar­t Roberto Martinez, whose sides could meet in the World Cup Final on July 15.

He added: “I am happy for Gareth because he’s doing a fantastic job.

“I think both managers of England and Belgium are doing incredible jobs. I like that, too.”

 ??  ?? KOP IDOL: Jordan Henderson
KOP IDOL: Jordan Henderson

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