Kolo Toure tips Liverpool 'player of the season' Jordan Henderson to succeed Steven Gerrard

Kolo Toure says Jordan Henderson can become Steven Gerrard's successor at Anfield after being "the best Liverpool player of the current campaign".

After the captain confirmed he will leave Merseyside to move to MLS side LA Galaxy at the end of the season, Henderson committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new deal on 23 April.

Toure has welcomed the news by stating Liverpool need players like the vice-captain to return to the Premier League elite.

"It's the best thing that could happen. For me, Jordan is an amazing player, he is a top character. He likes to take responsibility, working hard every day in training and is really focused. He helps teammates. He is a great leader," Toure said to Liverpool official website.

"This boy is a great, great player. He has signed and deserved to sign. If you want to be one of the best clubs in the world, you need players like him."

"He is a perfect replacement for him [Gerrard] because the boy takes responsibility and that's what you need. You need leaders who can take responsibility - he is doing that and he loves it. The future is bright with him."

Toure believes Henderson has massively developed by learning from Gerrard, which has led him to become the club's best player of the current campaign.

"He has been really lucky to be able to play with a player like Steven Gerrard. I can see him every day in training talking with Steven Gerrard, and that's really important," the defender added.

"The way he plays is amazing. I have always thought he was a great player because I knew about him before. But you need time to adapt to a team and style of play.

"He was playing at Sunderland. When you come to Liverpool, there's more pressure. It took a little bit of time, which is normal for everybody. When you come to a club, you need time to gel and adapt. For me, he has been the best player this season.

"Last season, he was amazing and this season, for me, he has been the best player - scoring goals, setting up goals, fighting for the team and giving 100% every day. He's a great example."