Joey Barton has said on the Robbie Fowler podcast that Jordan Henderson should never be compared to ex-Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard.
Henderson has captained Liverpool to a European Cup and, crucially, a Premier League title during his time at Anfield – which Gerrard was never able to do.
Barton now believes that Henderson may be spoken about in the same breath as Gerrard, due to his achievements.
But he insists that the comparison should never be made, as Henderson is nowhere near the player Gerrard once was.
“I’ve played against Jordan loads of times. He’s done incredible, but he wasn’t Stevie Gerrard,” Barton said.
“He’s not even in the same stratosphere as Stevie Gerrard, but will be talked about as a Liverpool great for what he’s done.
“But I’ve actually played against both of them. Not even part of the same conversation.
“But in 20 years time my kids will talk about Henderson and say ‘well Henderson won a European cup as well, Henderson won a league’. When there should be no comparison.”
In fairness to Henderson, very few players can claim to be in the same league as Gerrard in terms of ability.
The Liverpool legend is one of the finest English players of all time, and arguably the most talented player to ever put on the famous red strip.
Gerrard wore the Liverpool strip with distinction for 17 years, before Brendan Rodgers let him go in 2015.
Henderson does deserve huge credit for the career he has had at Liverpool too, though.
And while he may not have the natural ability of Gerrard, there can be no doubting his leadership credentials now.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
