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Jose Enrique has hailed Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard after an excellent start to the season.
The 33-year-old has helped the Reds to second in the Premier League table after 12 games, four points (now seven after yesterday’s matches) behind leaders Arsenal.
The Liverpool skipper has scored only two league goals, both from the penalty spot, but has laid on many more for the likes of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
Gerrard’s lack of goals can be attributed to a different role in the side. He has gone from playing behind the striker to sitting in front of the back four.
Enrique believes Gerrard is still contributing as much as he did when he was a foil for Fernando Torres.
“Gerrard has been playing fantastic as always, our captain is really important for us,” said the Spanish left-back.
“He is playing with Lucas (Leiva) in a role he did not play when he was younger but the quality of the passes, crosses and free-kicks he is still doing the same thing. His quality is amazing.”
Enrique, who recently underwent knee surgery and will be out of action until February, also praised the way Jordan Henderson has performed this term.
Much was expected of Henderson after his £16million move from Sunderland but had a slow start to life Anfield. He has recovered from that and did enough in the early part of the season to earn an England recall.
“Jordan is a hard worker and has been doing really well in training and now he is getting the results,” added Enrique.
“He is still young, you can’t forget that, he is 22 and he is playing fantastically.”
Liverpool supporters will be hoping that the duo continue their fine form for the duration of the season. Brendan Rodgers’ Reds have done fantastically well so far, surprising many and against all odds.
And if the duo, as well as other key elements such as Luis Suarez and top scorer Daniel Sturrdige, maintain their form, then they well may well beat all odds and seal a return to the Champions League next season.
