Reds skipper Henderson pays tribute to Lucas

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson paid tribute to the squad’s most experienced player, Lucas Leiva, after the Brazilian made an impressive return to the starting XI in the Reds’ 3-1 win over Everton at the weekend.

Lucas is in his tenth season at Liverpool and helped the Reds to victory in the 228th Merseyside derby.

And Henderson, who is still side-lined with a foot injury sustained in early February, hailed the Brazilian’s contribution off the pitch, as well as on it.

(Getty Images)

“Any person joining Liverpool Football Club, regardless of age, status or experience, who is looking for a role model or an example to follow then, for me, you look no further than Lucas Leiva,” said Henderson.

“Watching the Merseyside derby at the weekend, it was a reminder to everyone why he has been, and continues to be, so valuable to this club.

“Minimum fuss, but the sort of performance his teammates will appreciate so much. That’s such an important example to set for anyone playing for this club.

“After ten years here, he of course knows what the derby is all about – and let me tell you, he loves them – and he used that experience and knowledge right from the first minute to help control the midfield along with Emre and Gini.”