SportBook Service | Liverpool star Jordan Henderson praised by Jurgen Klopp for becoming the clubs new Steven Gerrard

JURGEN KLOPP has praised Jordan Henderson for taking on the toughest job in football filling Steven Gerrards shoes.

The Liverpool boss team face Porto in a meaningless Champions League last-16 second leg tie at Anfield tonight, having battered the Portuguese side 5-0 in the first leg.

Jurgen Klopp has been full of praise for Jordan HendersonCredit: AFP

With the exception of a two-game blip in January, Klopps team have improved steadily since October.

And Henderson was outstanding in the 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday.

Gerrard left Liverpool in 2015 but is back at the club as an academy coach.

Klopp said: Jordan knows what I think about him and what Gareth Southgate thinks about him.

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Henderson has stepped up to the plate since Steven Gerrard's retirementCredit: Action Images

Klopp insists Henderson remains a key player for Liverpool and EnglandCredit: AFP

Can he improve? For sure. He had the most difficult job. He had to replace Steve Gerrard, which is not a nice job to do.

Hopefully people dont think about that too much any more and see him as a single person, a fantastic player. I always thought he did really well with it.

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When he is fit, he is a really, really strong player. That is why he is playing for us, why he is our skipper.

In our last match, he had an outstandingly-good game. He controlled the game, he switched sides and his passing range was brilliant."

Liverpool have been training for their game with PortoCredit: AFP

Liverpool won the first leg in Portugal 5-0Credit: Reuters

He did the things in the right moments, was very aggressive and was very good at defending.

Even when he was not aggressive he was patient and won challenges. I am happy.

Considering the state of Southgates England midfield, it is vital Henderson keeps playing each week.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2009.

Klopp could be set to ring the changes at AnfieldCredit: Reuters

The likes of Adam Lallana will be pushing for a startCredit: PA:Press Association

Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle: Mo Salah and Sadio Mane score to fire Reds into second

Klopp has an eye on Saturdays Manchester United Premier League clash and could give Adam Lallana his first continental game since the 2016 Europa League final.

The German added: We will make one, two or three changes. We respect Porto and the competition too much to think about real rotation.

Midfielder James Milner was cautious, though. He said: We scored five and there is no reason why they cannot do that.

But at this stage of the tournament you have to believe you can go on and win it.