Steven Gerrard leans on Liverpool instincts as emboldened Ettifaq boss goes red with Jordan Henderson successor

Supported Steven Gerrard has plumped for former Liverpool star Gini Wijnaldum to succeed Jordan Henderson and lead his Ettifaq rejuvenation mission.

The Kop icon has been backed by the Saudi Pro League strugglers with a new contract, despite not winning a league game since October and losing England international Henderson to Ajax after he requested to leave. Gerrard is making big calls to spark a response on the pitch as he backs Wijnaldum to be his game-changer on the pitch.

Gerrard is hunting new signings and the former Rangers boss is aiming to tweak his squad before they return to competitive action on February 15 against Al-Khaleej. Henderson's exit was sudden but it opens a space in a squad which also includes former Celtic pair Moussa Dembele and Jack Hendry.

Gerrard's alterations aren't only taking place on the pitch with former Charlton boss Dean Holden expected to replace Ian Foster after he landed the Plymouth Argyle job.

And the 43-year-old – who has his contract extended to June 2027 – is aiming to silence his doubters who have aired reservations over the results under earned during his stewardship.