Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp congratulates Jordan Henderson on being named as FWA Footballer of the Year

Club captain helped to guide the Reds to their first league title in 30 years this season

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has congratulated club captain Jordan Henderson on being named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for 2019/20.

Last month, the Reds secured their first league title in 30 years – their first of the Premier League era – and Henderson lifted the trophy on Wednesday night after Liverpool’s 5-3 victory over Chelsea.

Two days later, Henderson has been awarded the FWA Footballer of the Year prize, and Klopp was quick to offer the midfielder some words of appreciation.

“Hi, my friend. One of the big questions in football is: ‘What makes a proper player?’” Klopp said.

“What is more important – is it talent, is it attitude? I think the easy answer is that without talent you are nothing, without attitude you will stay a talent forever. So, you are the perfect example that the mix makes the difference.

“Who would have thought that the young fella coming from Sunderland to Liverpool with big dreams would be one day the best player of the Premier League? Maybe you dreamt of it; I’m not sure you thought it would happen, but I know you are confident enough to have big dreams.

“But now is the moment where everybody saw it. Everybody saw what a great player you are, everybody saw what a great personality you are, what a great character you are. I know the human being behind the player, you would deserve an award for that as well.

“So, many congratulations, well deserved, outstanding achievement. What a year you had, what a career you’ve had so far, and the best news: still a lot to come.

“I wish you a wonderful day, enjoy the moment – because you can enjoy it, you don’t have to play on the weekend at Newcastle. Enjoy the moment, and, again: best player of the Premier League. Wow.”

Henderson, 30, has been sidelined with a knee injury since Liverpool’s win over Brighton earlier this month, and will miss the champions’ final game of the season at Newcastle as a result, as Klopp alluded to.