Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has backed captain Steven Gerrard after he copped criticism from some sections of both the media and Reds supporters.
There were suggestions that the 34-year old midfielder is no longer a definite starter for Brendan Rodgers' side but teammate Henderson defended the influential skipper after he netted a brilliant 65th-minute free-kick in the Merseyside derby on Saturday.
"Stevie's still one of the best players in the Premier League," said Henderson.
"There's no doubting his quality. A lot of teams have been putting someone to man-mark him, which shows just how good he is.
"I don't think he deserves any criticism. He's been the best player this league's probably seen in a long time and still is."
Gerrard's goal almost guided the Reds to a narrow triumph in the derby at Anfield before Everton skipper Phil Jagielka rocketed home a stunning equaliser in injury time.
