Xabi Alonso once paid Jordan Henderson the ultimate compliment as Chelsea close in on signing

Chelsea are now interested in signing Henderson, who currently plays for their west London rivals Brentford.

There is no doubt that Alonso is driving the club’s interest in the 36-year-old as he looks to add more experience to his squad. But the Spaniard has always rated the Chelsea target.

First Danny Welbeck and now Jordan Henderson! What is going on at Chelsea?

Xabi Alonso hailed Chelsea target Jordan Henderson as the ‘complete’ midfielder

At 36, Henderson is obviously not the player he once was. For example, he obviously cannot run and press as much as he used to.

However, in his prime, Alonso felt that he was quite energetic and “complete”. It is a big compliment, especially coming from a legendary midfielder like the 44-year-old.

In an interview with Liverpool’s official club website 10 years ago, Alonso said: “Jordan has so much energy, he plays well and he’s very complete. Not just as a holding midfielder, he’s able to get closer to the box. He’s becoming a very important player.”

It would be great, but Chelsea do not need prime Jordan Henderson. With Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the middle, the Blues already have a very strong midfield.

Of course, Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea this summer. But if he does go, it looks like Chelsea could sign Alex Scott, who is one of the most talented young midfielders in the Premier League.

Right now, what Chelsea need is Henderson’s experience and leadership skills. It is a young dressing room at Stamford Bridge, and you could see that last season from their ill-discipline and the manner in which they threw away points from leading positions.

Maybe figures like Henderson and Danny Welbeck can help them in those areas. Welbeck is another seasoned professional of interest to Chelsea.