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Jurgen Klopp has delivered a robust defence of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

The Reds midfielder has been a target of criticism from a section of supporters in the early stages of this season but Klopp insists he isn't concerned about his form.

The manager is convinced that Henderson will shine this term as he looks to put an injury ravaged 2015/16 campaign firmly behind him.

“I have no doubt,” Klopp said.

“I see him every day in training so if I was doubting him then he would not be here.

“It's quite easy. I like this player and he is very important for this club 100%. There is absolutely no doubt.”

Handed the armband by Brendan Rodgers last summer, Henderson kept it following Klopp's appointment but injury prevented him from truly putting his stamp on the captaincy.

A debilitating heel condition – plantar fasciitis - kept him sidelined for three-and-a-half months and continued to affect him after his comeback.

At times he played when he wasn't able to do himself justice and he then damaged knee ligaments against Borussia Dortmund in April.

Henderson returned to action just before the end of the season but was an unused substitute as Liverpool capitulated in the Europa League final against Sevilla.

Now fully fit, the 26-year-old has started all three games so far this term and will lead the Reds into battle against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

This is Henderson's sixth season at the club following his £16million move from Sunderland in the summer of 2011.

Klopp believes his best days for Liverpool lie ahead. He just wants him to relax in the centre of midfield and play to his strengths.

“What am I expecting from Jordan? Improvement. He is a wonderful skilled player and his attitude is outstanding,” Klopp said.

“He always wants to work and work hard. He is still a young player, even though he has played a lot of games.

“It is about decision making - not to too often make the special things, just more what you need to do rather than what you want to do.

“A Liverpool player at a big club with not so much success in recent years is always doubted a little bit.

“They always have to show that they are not the reason we have not made the next step. Of course that's not the reason.

“There are more reasons for not being successful and it keeps these players always trying to convince everyone.

“Stay cool, try to play football, it is not that difficult. Not only for Jordan but for a lot of our players.”

The clash with Tottenham comes five years to the day since Henderson scored his first Liverpool goal in a 3-1 home win over Bolton.

It also sees Klopp return to White Hart Lane – the scene of this first game in charge of the Reds 10 months ago.

Back then the German coach insisted he didn't need “magic dust” to turn Liverpool into a force to be reckoned with and he stands by that assessment.

It hasn't been plain sailing. Liverpool reached two cup finals last term but ended up without European football after losing them both and trailed home eighth in the Premier League.

A lack of consistency has dogged them again in the opening weeks of the new campaign – the thrilling victory at Arsenal followed by the limp defeat to Burnley.

Klopp put his own stamp on the squad by welcoming seven new signings this summer and he remains excited about the potential of many players he inherited.

“We have changed things,” Klopp said.

“Nobody thinks about it but last season was like it was because of the style of play we had and energy we had. We lost a bit of that after the European games.

“You know we would now be in Europe but for that. For a long time it was only two, three, four points and there were not so good moments like at Swansea.

“Maybe with three points more at the end we would have been there, but there was a big sign of quality.

“Plus now there are quality players in defence, in midfield, on the wing.

“Other players can still improve like Divock (Origi), Phil (Coutinho), even Roberto (Firmino) can make the next step - there's no doubt about that.

“Even the English guys can make the next step. Hendo had a difficult season with injuries and this is the first time he is fit since I’ve been here over a long term.

“These are all the things I was thinking about. I still think I don’t need magic dust.”

Saturday's lunchtime showdown in the capital is the Reds' final fixture before the transfer deadline.

Much of the focus at Liverpool over the coming days will be on outgoings rather than incomings with Klopp adamant he's happy with what he's got.

“We can write a book about it but there have been three games played, we know what we have to do and we’re working on it,” he said.

“We have already decided about 95% of these players. We’ve said: 'that’s the player'. Everyone knows the situation about who could leave.

“We want to work with these players. Of course we need a little bit of luck with injuries, but we have a very good squad.

“People ask: 'why did you put out such a strong team against Burton?'

“The bench was strong. Even if I had selected different players to start it still would have been a good line up. That’s the situation and it’s positive.”