Gomez explains how Liverpool have been lucky & what should happen with Henderson

Henderson is being touted for individual honours given the way he has helped inspire Jurgen Klopp's side to a record 22-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

The 29-year-old scored one and assisted another during a stellar performance in the 4-0 home win over Southampton on Saturday.

And while Henderson's contribution is only now being fully recognised outside Anfield, Gomez reveals that isn't the case inside the club.

“It can't be underestimated how big Hendo is for us," said the defender.

“He's the skipper and the leader and he ticks all the boxes on the pitch and off the pitch. He's another massive player for us.

“I think all of us individually appreciate him and as a team and as a club I think he deserves to be appreciated.

“We are lucky to have a skipper like that.”

Liverpool have conceded only eight goals in Gomez's last 36 Premier League appearances, with the clean sheet against Southampton an eighth in the last nine Premier League games.

Gomez, though, believes there is more to the Reds' mean streak than the defence.

“Obviously as a backline and Al (Alisson Becker), we thrive off clean sheets but it is a collective thing," he said.

“It starts from the front and works it way back. We take pride in it but we know that it's as a team that we defend and the whole team does that because it gives us a foundation to get goals and if you get goals and keep clean sheets, you win games."

Liverpool's senior players are now on a winter break, with under-23s boss Neil Critchley taking charge of a young side for the FA Cup fourth-round replay at home to Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday.

The next Premier League game is at Norwich City on Saturday week with the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie at Atletico Madrid taking place three days later.

And Gomez, speaking in the official LFC matchday programme, added: “The gaffer emphasises how important it is that everyone's ready and that the whole squad contributes.

“It's going to be another intense period but we are all focused and prepared.”