The deployment of Steven Gerrard in a deeper-lying midfield position has been extensively analysed over the last few weeks, but few people are better placed to comment than Jordan Henderson.

The captain has been operating in a position just in front of the defence to outstanding effect, providing a solid base for the Reds' array of attacking players to flourish.

Henderson feels the berth allows Gerrard to help launch forays forward due to his exceptional passing range.

"You can see, from watching the games he's played in that position, just how effective he is," he told Liverpoolfc.com.

"Everyone knows how good his passing is. He can express his passing in the deeper role and pick his passes - whether it's long or short, whatever he feels is right at the time.

"I think you've seen that, whether it's been a long diagonal or a little through ball, it's worked really well for us.

"He's been a massive player for us this season."

Henderson believes playing so closely with Gerrard is allowing the No.14 to learn much from the England skipper.

"Stevie is a great role model, for everyone really," he added. "He's someone people look up to and is a great leader, on and off the pitch.

"We've got some good leaders within the group and the changing room, and that's much needed when you're going through difficult times.

"Leadership needs to come through and there needs to be people to stand up and be counted. We've got a few of them here."

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Liverpool have utilised a midfield diamond formation in recent matches, meaning Henderson and Joe Allen have been deployed directly in front of Gerrard.

Ahead of them, Raheem Sterling or Philippe Coutinho have helped supply the ammunition for Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

"I think your role changes all the time in terms of when tactics and formations change," said Henderson. "Your position changes and role within the team changes.

"You have to adapt to that and make sure you do the role to the best of your ability. That's all you can do.

"Every time we have changed formation or tactics, I feel as though we've all dealt with it really well and shown we're tactically aware of different situations."

Henderson's form this season has drawn countless plaudits, with his dynamism and running in the centre of the pitch a key facet of Liverpool's campaign.

The 23-year-old, however, insists he is striving to improve even further.

He said: "I always want to improve all the time. I keep saying that's the most important thing - as long as you're working hard, are willing to improve and are working on everything to improve.

"Everything else just takes care of itself, really. Hopefully I can carry on doing that, keep working on and off the field, and keep improving both for the team and myself."