'I'm getting protected by a 19-year-old, I love it!' was Jordan Henderson's reaction after hearing Jude Bellingham back him to the hills last week.
The teenager's comments came after England's 3-0 World Cup round-of-16 win against Senegal, a game in which Liverpool captain Henderson swept home the opening goal as part of a typically mature and dynamic performance in the middle of the park. That goal - set up by Bellingham's enterprising drive forward - and the celebration that followed epitomised the relationship the pair have formed during the last month in Qatar.
Such has been the closeness between the midfield duo and Trent Alexander-Arnold that the Reds right-back was compelled to deny fan theories that he and Henderson were acting on behalf of the club in trying to convince their teenage compatriot of a move to Merseyside. Bellingham is set to become one of the most in-demand players in the world come summer, and those in charge at Anfield know they must use every trick in the book to pip the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City to their man.
