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Steven Gerrard has urged fans to get behind Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson - saying the midfielder can be a ‘big asset’ for boss Jurgen Klopp.

Henderson suffered a difficult campaign last season after inheriting the captaincy at Anfield, with form and fitness limiting the 26-year-old’s influence under Klopp.

Speaking to The Anfield Wrap after Liverpool lost 1-0 to Chelsea at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in the USA, Gerrard offered his backing to the man who succeeded him as Liverpool captain.

He said: “I think we all need to get behind Jordan, the manager, the staff and the fans. He had a very difficult year last year with injuries, I’ve been there when you’re injured and frustrated.

"It affects your confidence and you’re desperate to get back. (You see) other players coming in and doing well, people are doubting you and saying that we should move him on. I’ve heard it all.

“But if we all get behind Henderson and he finds his top form he can be a very big asset for Klopp this year.

“I’m hoping he starts the season strong, gets his confidence early and I think he will be a big player for us. I just want everyone to get behind him and give him that chance.”

Gerrard believes that Liverpool will benefit from having no European football this season. And he says Klopp’s style will benefit the Reds and that having no distractions will allow them to approach games fresher.

He added: “I think with having no Europe, no distractions, we can really go for teams.

“I can speak from experience, you feel really fresh and you can’t wait for the weekend. It’s a completely different mentality when you have midweek games, you’re doing a lot of travelling. You can slip up from time to time.

“So to have that when you’re waiting for a big match at the weekend, certainly the way Klopp plays , I think Liverpool have got a big advantage.

“I think you have got to make your mark early doors. If we start the season well teams won’t want to play against us, they don’t like playing against that energy and high press.”