Joe Gomez delighted with recognition for "unbelievable" Jordan Henderson

Joe Gomez reckons the world has finally woken up to what his Liverpool have known for years: their skipper is a world-class leader.

Reds captain Jordan Henderson has received real acclaim in recent months for his role in not only steering the club to the verge of their first title in 30 years, but also in leading football’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.

And Gomez believes the inspiration his friend and team-mate has provided in recent years has been one of the driving forces behind Liverpool’s resurgence on and off the pitch.

"Within the last few months and seasons he has started to get the recognition he deserves," Gomez explained.

"So much credit has got to be given to Hendo

“He is an unbelievable character for me. I’m blessed to have had a captain like him over the last five years, [he’s] just been the most approachable person possible and been such a leader in different ways, on and off the pitch.”

Few are in doubt, now, about the massive role Henderson has performed in setting the right tone behind the scenes on and off the pitch to lay the foundation for title success.

But Gomez insisted the midfielder also should get massive acclaim for helping plan a united response to the health crisis, by organising funds raised from football to be directed straight to the NHS.

“You see the leader on the pitch, the person that leads by example, but I think off it some of the things he has done and organised have been massive,” he added.

“He has taken massive responsibility on in these last few months. It’s been big – not just for him, and bigger than this club, [it] has united organisations, the Premier League.

"As footballers, it has given us the platform to come across in the right way and do our bit.

“Hendo will hopefully continue to get the recognition he deserves because I think here, among us as a club, we’re so grateful to have him as our leader.”

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