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Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson praises Aston Villa 51-year-old

Giuseppe Labellarte

Sat 11 December 2021 7:15, UK

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has waxed lyrical about several members of the Aston Villa backroom team.

Reds legend Steven Gerrard will return to Anfield on Saturday as his new club locks horns with Jurgen Klopp’s charges.

It promises to be an emotional return for one of the greatest Liverpool players in recent history.

The 41-year-old spent 17 years at Liverpool as a player before making the switch to LA Galaxy in 2015.

Gerrard called time on his playing career shortly after to pursue a career in management.

After some work with Liverpool’s academy set-up, Gerrard took the Rangers job.

He took the Ibrox outfit back to the top of Scottish football, winning the Premiership title in his third season.

Now at Villa, Gerrard has instantly turned their fortunes around with three wins from four.

Indeed, their only defeat so far has been to Manchester City, only losing 2-1.

Henderson was teammates with Gerrard for four years, and he expects him to get a wonderful reception at Anfield.

The 31-year-old also spoke highly of Gerrard’s staff, who also have links with Liverpool.

In particular, Henderson singled fitness and conditioning coach Jordan Milson out for praise.

The was Liverpool’s rehabilitation fitness coach between 2010 and 2018.

“People like Jordan are unsung heroes”

“Steven’s staff… will always be friends to this club,” Henderson told the Liverpool .

“In Gary McAllister, Tommy Culshaw, Mick Beale and Jordan Milsom, Steven has some brilliant people around him.

“All of whom have made their own contributions to Liverpool FC in various ways and deserve their own warm welcome as a result.

“I probably know Jordan best because he was a strength and conditioning coach who gave me and many of the other lads so much brilliant care during his time here.

“People like Jordan are unsung heroes, but anyone who has worked with him knows exactly how important he and others who perform similar roles are.

“So before and after the game, I will be going out of my way to give all of them my best wishes.

“During it, I will be doing my utmost to get the best possible result for Liverpool.

“They wouldn’t expect – or want – anything different.”