Ferdinand and Owen praise Liverpool star after Rangers win but predict roster change for Arsenal clash

Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen both praised Jordan Henderson after his performance in Liverpool's win over Rangers on Tuesday.

A free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a penalty from Mohamed Salah secured a 2-0 win on a comfortable night for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Henderson, who has been criticized for his performances this term, thrived in a double pivot alongside Thiago Alcantara, as Klopp changed formation, playing four attacking players in a 4-2-3-1 instead of his usual three.

"I think he's just a very smart football player," Rangers legend Ally McCoist said of Henderson on BT Sport

“He can smell danger, he can sit in the little holes when he needs to. always a great ball passer."

Premier League leaders Arsenal are next for Liverpool, and although Ferdinand praised Henderson and saw the benefits of Liverpool's players, he believes Klopp will be cautious at the Emirates on Sunday.

Ferdinand said: "He is someone who likes responsibility. He became the captain of this football club.

"I think Fabinho is playing against Arsenal. He's fantastic in defensive midfield. He's been a mainstay so I can't see him not coming in and playing.

"Having those four attacking players against that particular opposition was perfect, but I think Arsenal are a totally different proposition and they won't be able to play as freely or as expansively as they did today ."

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Michael Owen agreed it would be 'really brave' to play four attacking players against the Gunners.

"It will make him [Klopp] wonder if he should [stick with the same XI]," Owen said.

"Fabinho has been one of the poorest players this season, but I agree it's really brave to stick four against an Arsenal side that are flying at the moment.

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“But tonight will give him some confidence thinking maybe I could do it in the future. He has so many good attacking players.”

But the former Liverpool striker has suggested Henderson may well be worthy of a starting spot for England at the World Cup, apparently completely overlooking a certain Jude Bellingham.

"We're not inundated with great players in this position, this sitting midfielder, this disciplined role," added Owen.

"Of course Declan Rice is a shoo-in, he's going to play. Kalvin Phillips is injured right now and it's not a short-term injury.

"Who do you look beyond them? Henderson has to be there with a shout. He also brings out the best in others, he's a selfless player. Just the perfect captain."