Why 36-year-old Jordan Henderson has become an important player in

Why 36-year-old Jordan Henderson has become an important player

According to Sports.

Context

Jordan Henderson, formerly Liverpool captain, now plays for Chelsea, where his experience and skills become important to the team. With his arrival, Chelsea may be trying to balance their youth squad with veterans, which could lead to improved results in the Premier League.

Why is this important

Jordan Henderson has emerged as a key player for Chelsea, highlighting the importance of experience in a team aiming for Premier League success. His partnership with Moises Caicedo in midfield is already producing results, which could change the dynamics of the team and help them fight for the top spots. Henderson, despite his age, demonstrates the physical fitness and leadership qualities necessary to achieve the club's goals.

Key takeaways

• Why 36-year-old Jordan Henderson became an important player in...
• Jordan Henderson, at 36, has become a key player for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, forming a strong midfield partnership with Moises Caicedo and making a significant impact on the team's discipline and performance.
• Why 36-year-old Jordan Henderson works in Xabi Alonso’s new-age Chelsea.

When 36-year-old Jordan Henderson joined Chelsea in early August, following 35-year-old Danny Welbeck, the club seemed to have strayed too far from its youth policy. Both veterans have impressed while playing for teams in the so-called Bermuda Triangle of the Premier League - Brentford and Brighton respectively. However, it didn't feel like they were signed as main players, more like dressing room pieces. Apart from a 71-minute appearance against Brentford, which ended in a crushing 3-0 defeat, Welbeck has made most of his starts in the Carabao Cup. Henderson, on the other hand, finds himself at the top of the Premier League pecking order, forming an unlikely partnership with the irreplaceable Moises Caicedo in midfield. He has started and played all three of the last three games ahead of young talents Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco, and there is no reason for Xabi Alonso to replace him for the upcoming derby with Tottenham.

Alonso believes the difference between the former Henderson, Liverpool's Premier League and Champions League-winning captain, and the current one is minimal. That's why he ignores his age. "He's 36 but in great physical shape," says the Spaniard. "He has a lot of energy and that hasn't changed. I see him as a 36-year-old but you tell me he's 28 when he played at Liverpool and he pressed, wanted the ball and influenced the rest of the team. "That hasn't changed.He did that at Brentford and that's why we thought he could work in that position with the team we had. He now feels good, important, and is a very positive influence. That's what we wanted and that's what we're getting from Jordan and he's enjoying his game.

Known for his energy, Henderson ran the most on the pitch in his last two matches: 11.9km against Bournemouth and 12km against Everton, despite being the oldest on the pitch. But he doesn't just run. In the match against the Cherries, he scored two goals - including his first direct free kick - and also provided an assist. Attacking contributions are valued, although that is not what keeps Henderson in the team. “He plays well, not for the goals he scores, but for the impact he has on the team,” Alonso added.


Part of that influence comes from Henderson helping to instill discipline in a team that was emotionally unstable when the Spaniard arrived.Alonso noted that he was aware of Chelsea's dismal disciplinary record last season, with the team receiving eight red cards - four more than the next next team in the Premier League - and also finishing second in yellow cards with 90 bookings. “We could have done better,” Alonso said. There is a noticeable change this season. Chelsea commit fewer fouls per 90 minutes and receive fewer yellow cards. No one was sent off. Henderson's presence is credited with this change. “Absolutely, I think it helps,” Alonso said. "It helps because of the experience and calmness that is needed at certain moments. You have players who sometimes, even during the course of a game, take a step back to see what is happening and now we need to stay focused and calm."

Managing emotions will be extremely important in the upcoming match against Tottenham. It will be his first home London derby after clashes with Fulham and Arsenal, and Alonso is expecting an "electrifying" atmosphere. His team's newfound discipline will now be tested in this heated clash. “For me, it has a lot to do with emotional control and control of the game,” Alonso explained. "I think if you're focused on what you have to do, you're prepared for what happens. You don't usually make as many mistakes and don't react to certain situations. For me, that's a big part of the game, having that emotional control to deal with it all.The momentum is there, but we remain calm, I don’t lose my head and don’t get stupid yellow cards, don’t commit stupid penalties. You need to prepare for football to better control it."

Henderson will be responsible for controlling his emotions more than anyone else. Although Alonso is counting on his experience, the team will be without another experienced player signed in the summer. Emi Martinez's horrific head injury against Everton will keep him out for "several weeks" following surgery. This means highly rated backup goalkeeper Mike Penders, still only 21, will get a longer chance in the squad. "If you know Mike, he's very calm, very mature for his age," Alonso assured, confident he could handle the pressure. The last young Belgian to stand in goal for Chelsea was Thibaut Courtois. His first appearance at Stamford Bridge also came at the age of 21, although he was on loan at Atlético Madrid. That night he played a part in preventing the Blues from reaching the 2014 Champions League final - perhaps the highest pressure a Chelsea newcomer could face. Alonso spoke to Courtois at the World Cup to get his assessment of Penders. “He even said that he saw similarities between Mike and himself,” Alonso recalled. This is a good sign.

What happens next

With the derby against Tottenham looming, Xabi Alonso is likely to continue to trust Henderson given his recent performances. This could be a defining moment for Chelsea in their bid to regain their status as one of the Premier League's leading clubs. If Henderson continues to perform like this, he could become not only an important player, but also a symbol of the club's new direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Jordan Henderson in early August?

Jordan Henderson joins Chelsea, following Danny Welbeck.

Who confirmed that Henderson is in good physical shape?

Xabi Alonso confirmed that Henderson is in excellent physical shape and has a positive influence on the team.

Why did Henderson become an important player for Chelsea?

Henderson has become an important player, forming a partnership with Moises Caicedo and showing great physical activity on the pitch.

What has changed in Henderson's role since his time at Liverpool?

Henderson, despite his age, continues to have an impact on the game, as noted by Xabi Alonso.

What role does Henderson play in the team ahead of the derby with Tottenham?

Henderson has started the last three games and is expected to remain in the squad for the upcoming derby with Tottenham.

Similar articles

• Chelsea match analysis: Without Joao Pedro they don’t score, problems
• Winless Villa and Tottenham are waiting for an important clash
• Isak does not regret moving to Liverpool

Similar articles

• Telstar cannot win nine matches in a row

Similar articles

• Law 14: Savior of “Truth” in Yazd!