LIVERPOOL -- Jordan Henderson is not the new Steven Gerrard -- and any comparisons between them are unfair, according to Brendan Rodgers.
Henderson, 24, has captained the Reds in each of the last four matches as Gerrard battles a hamstring problem.
The former England captain will have a fitness test ahead of Sunday's FA Cup quarterfinal at home to Championship side Blackburn.
One option for Liverpool manager Rodgers is to retain Henderson as captain and start with Gerrard on the bench.
The young midfielder has emerged as a star of Liverpool's season and impressed as they beat Burnley 2-0 in the Premier League on Wednesday, scoring one goal and making another for Daniel Sturridge.
But the Anfield coach insists that there is no comparison between the two players, saying: "They're totally different players. Steven's one of the best players of all-time in the Premier League. There's no comparison.
"Jordan's a young guy and a wonderful talent. He's a different type of player. Steven's one of the greats.
"You should stop trying to put pressure on a young player such as Jordan Henderson. Because he takes a corner and Steven Gerrard takes a corner, he's not the new Steven Gerrard.
"Because he shoots from outside the box, he's not the new Steven Gerrard. He's Jordan Henderson, and he's creating his own headlines.
"He's got a wonderful role model in Steven, but I would ask every player to look at Steven Gerrard, because he's an incredible professional and an incredible football player."
Rodgers has made clear that Gerrard will not walk back into the team on reputation alone, particularly as Liverpool -- unbeaten in 12 league games -- are in such impressive form.
But the manager is also sure that the 34-year-old's selflessness means that he will be prepared to sit on the bench if it is for the team's benefit.
Rodgers added: "Steven's very much a team player. If he was on the bench, and the team is playing well, everyone respects that.
"Nobody in the squad has a God-given right to get straight into the team. If someone's playing well, irrespective of status or price, they play.
"But the important thing is having Steven available. He's still an outstanding player, and he'll make our squad a better squad."