Brendan Rodgers Praises Jordan Henderson as Key to Liverpool's Future

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on Jordan Henderson while backing the young midfielder to be a key man for the Reds for years to come, according to media reports.

The 23-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Sunderland in 2011 for a £16m fee, has overcome a difficult start to his Anfield career and has consolidated a place in Rodger's starting line-up. He also looks certain to win a place in England's World Cup squad.

Rodgers praised the youngster in an interview with talkSport, saying: "I do not think there is any doubt he deserves to be on the plane [to Brazil].

"He is a player who has made huge strides. In the last 12 months, he has really pushed on both technically and tactically in his game and that is a big credit to him because he is a great learner.

"He wants to learn, he pushes himself in training every day and he does all the things a top professional does in terms of looking after his body. On top of that, he is a real good young man.

"He is developing all the time and I can see him being a real important player for Liverpool for a number of years. And, at 23, he is only going to get better," he told Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

Henderson has impressed in the Reds' midfield this season and has become a first-team regular. The youngster, who was told he could leave Anfield the following year he joined Liverpool, has progressed and appeared in every Premier League game this season.

Brendan Rodgers' side sit second in the table, seven points behind leaders Chelsea but with a game in hand.