Virgil van Dijk hails captain Jordan Henderson after Liverpool go through in Champions League

Virgil van Dijk has lavished praise on Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson for his contribution to the club both on and off the pitch. 

Henderson has come in for criticism in the past but those within the dressing room speak highly of the skipper. 

He captained the Reds to victory in the Champions League against RB Salzburg on Tuesday night and has helped steer Jurgen Klopp’s side to the top of the Premier League. 

Van Dijk is under no illusions about how important the midfielder is for Liverpool.  

‘Jordan is such an important player for this team,’ the centre-back told The Athletic. 

‘The contribution he makes goes unnoticed sometimes. I don’t know if he’s under-appreciated outside the club, but inside the club I know how highly we all think of him. He’s our captain and he always leads by example.’

Henderson put in another strong showing for Liverpool on Tuesday and combined his characteristic endevour with moments of real technical quality. 

Henderson helped Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over RB Salzburg to reach the last 16

Mo Salah scored the second goal after collecting a superb pass from Henderson, who also delivered a pinpoint assist for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Bournemouth on Saturday.  

Van Dijk went on: ‘He created the second goal with a great pass and always works so hard for the team. 

‘We all appreciate what he does for Liverpool, both on and off the pitch. He’s a leader.’

Liverpool and Henderson are now preparing to take on Watford in Saturday’s early kick-off and looking to extend their eight point gap at the top of the league. 

Van Dijk said nobody in the Liverpool dressing room undervalues the midfielder