Quick thoughts on Jordan Henderson after his first 45 minutes for Chelsea
Chelsea fans have already formed their opinions about Jordan Henderson after his first-half performance against Brentford.
On September 18 at the Gtech Community Stadium, manager Alonso chose to start summer signings Danny Welbeck and Henderson, who was making his first Chelsea start since joining from Brentford.
Since Chelsea has been signing mostly younger players lately, bringing in Welbeck and Henderson was a bit unexpected.
But many Chelsea fans seem happy with Henderson based on how he played in the first half against the Bees.
Henderson, 36, was even booed by some Brentford fans, but he teamed up well with fellow new signing Valentin Barco in midfield and showed great skill and experience.
Supporters quickly shared their thoughts online, with many impressed by England international Henderson’s smart and calm play.
One fan said, “Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco are really controlling midfield. Both are doing great.”
Another wrote, “Only 13 minutes in, Henderson is already playing like player of the season.”
A third added, “You can tell Henderson is a leader on the pitch. Even with noise around, I can hear him giving instructions.”
Someone else commented, “In just three passes, Henderson has brought more rhythm and teamwork than Romeo Lavia did in three years.”
And another fan said simply, “Jordan Henderson, I’m speechless. What a player!”
Although Henderson is set to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he was left out of England’s Nations League squad by Thomas Tuchel.
Before this game, he hadn’t played since a wrist injury he got falling over an advertising board during England’s win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. He had surgery on the wrist afterwards.
After joining Chelsea, Henderson said the chance was too good to say no to.
He told Chelsea.com, “With the size of this club, the manager — who I really admire — and the great players here, this was a big opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
“I was also impressed by how much the owners want Chelsea to succeed and grow in the right way.
“For me, it’s about giving my all every day, on and off the field, to help my teammates and the team as much as possible. I’m really excited to get started.”