{"id":22525,"date":"2026-07-29T05:26:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T05:26:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=22525"},"modified":"2026-07-29T05:26:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T05:26:55","slug":"xabi-alonso-once-paid-jordan-henderson-the-ultimate-compliment-as-chelsea-close-in-on-signing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=22525","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso once paid Jordan Henderson the ultimate compliment as Chelsea close in on signing"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is very familiar with Jordan Henderson\u2019s game and could now get the chance to work with him at Stamford Bridge.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid as a player back in 2009, Alonso still kept a close eye on his former club, who went on to sign Henderson a couple of years later.<\/p>\n

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Chelsea are now interested in signing Henderson, who currently plays for their west London rivals Brentford.<\/p>\n

There is no doubt that Alonso is driving the club\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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First Danny Welbeck and now Jordan Henderson! What is going on at Chelsea?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Photo by Leonardo Fernandez \u2013 FIFA\/FIFA via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Xabi Alonso hailed Chelsea target Jordan Henderson as the \u2018complete\u2019 midfielder<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

However, in his prime, Alonso felt that he was quite energetic and \u201ccomplete\u201d. It is a big compliment, especially coming from a legendary midfielder like the 44-year-old.<\/p>\n

In an interview with Liverpool\u2019s official club website 10 years ago, Alonso said: \u201cJordan has so much energy, he plays well and he\u2019s very complete. Not just as a holding midfielder, he\u2019s able to get closer to the box. He\u2019s becoming a very important player.\u201d<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Right now, what Chelsea need is Henderson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Maybe figures like Henderson and Danny Welbeck can help them in those areas. Welbeck is another seasoned professional of interest to Chelsea.<\/p>\n

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