Hendo: I'm not copying Stevie
Jordan Henderson is aiming to learn from the 'best in the business' at Anfield but insists he isn't trying to be the next Steven Gerrard.
The energetic ex-Sunderland man arrived at Anfield last summer keen to develop his reputation as one of the country's best young midfielders and knows he has teammates he can look up to as he seeks to progress.
"He's someone I can learn from because he's been the best in the business for an awful long time," Henderson said of Gerrard in an exclusive interview in this week's LFC Magazine. "He's got everything you want from a modern footballer.
"I know he played in a few positions to learn the game before settling in the midfield. But I try and learn from everyone, really. There's a lot of good, experienced players in the squad. It's not just technical stuff you learn, it's mental as well.
"Stevie is a top professional and apart from being a brilliant player he's been at the top for such a long time because he can deal with the pressure."
While he admits he'd love to emulate some of the things Gerrard has achieved in his career, Henderson is keen to be his own man.
"I don't think any two players can be compared because everybody is different. If I could be half as successful as Stevie has been, I'd take that. He's achieved a lot in the game. I tend not to take much notice of comparisons, though. You can only think about yourself. It's important to be your own person and try and put your own stamp on things."
The full Henderson interview, a feature on Anfield's greatest domestic cup nights and Alan Hansen's exclusive column are in this week's LFC Magazine.