Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has called for fans to get behind club-captain Jordan Henderson, who endured a tough campaign under Jurgen Klopp last season.
Gerrard watched on from the stands in California as Liverpool fell to a feisty 1-0 defeat against Chelsea. The referee awarded 37 fouls, six yellow cards and one red card, despite the tie being dubbed as a 'friendly'.
Henderson appeared as a second-half substitute but failed to impact, as Gary Cahill's first half goal for Chelsea decided the tie.
Injuries and poor form limited Henderson's game time last season, as he played just 17 times in the Premier League. However, in spite of his indifferent season, Gerrard is confident he can become a 'major asset' under Jurgen Klopp.
Speaking to the "?Anfield Wrap, as quoted in the "?Daily Mail, Gerrard said:
"?"I think we all need to get behind Jordan, the manager, the staff and the fans. He had a very difficult year last year with injuries, I've been there when you're injured and frustrated.
Confirmed #LFC subs v @ChelseaFC: Manninger, Milner, Henderson, Lallana, Brannagan, Ings, Wisdom, Markovic, Ojo, Alexander-Arnold.
"It affects your confidence and you're desperate to get back.
"[You see] other players coming in and doing well, people are doubting you and saying that we should move him on. I've heard it all.
"But if we all get behind Henderson and he finds his top form he can be a very big asset for Klopp this year.
"I'm hoping he starts the season strong, gets his confidence early and I think he will be a big player for us. I just want everyone to get behind him and give him that chance."