Chelsea transfer target Jordan Henderson has been forced to prove critics wrong throughout his professional career, with Sir Alex Ferguson one of those who made his reservations known.
Henderson looks set to move to Stamford Bridge to assist with Xabi Alonso’s desire to add more experience to the Chelsea squad.
Despite criticism, Henderson has lifted the Premier League with Liverpool, and been chosen to represent England at a record seven international tournaments.
How many Premier League goals will Joao Pedro score next season? 🔮
A hat-trick in his first game under Alonso!
Sir Alex Ferguson chose not to sign Jordan Henderson for Manchester United
Some of the most famous shots fired his way came from Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, who spoke in his autobiography about why his side didn’t sign Henderson from Sunderland before he moved to Anfield.
He said in 2013: “We looked at Jordan Henderson a lot, and Steve Bruce was unfailingly enthusiastic about him. But we noticed that Henderson runs from his knees, with a straight back.
SOCCER: JUL 18 FIFA World Cup 26 Bronze Final - France v England
Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“The modern footballer runs from his hips, and we thought this gait might cause him problems later in his career.”
In 2021, Ferguson spoke on how he was responsible for the decision being made, however admitted he had missed out on a great signing.
He said to Sky Sports: “I must say it was one of my bits of management to make sure the player is always available. If you sign a player and he is not available for you, it is a waste of time so that is the point I have to make about Jordan.
“We loved him as a player and he has proved that now, he has been fantastic and all the stories I am being told, it tells me I missed out on a really good person.”
First Danny Welbeck and now Jordan Henderson! What is going on at Chelsea?
Chelsea want to sign Jordan Henderson graphic
Photo by Leonardo Fernandez – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Henderson has proven Ferguson wrong with his fitness
Ferguson was worried about the latter stages of Henderson’s career, however if anything his injury record has only improved as he has gotten older.
He missed just six games during his Brentford career due to injury, the same amount he missed combined across his last two seasons at Liverpool.
It is expected that Henderson will be available straight away when he joins the club, despite the freak arm injury he suffered after England’s World Cup win against Mexico.
The experience he will bring both on and off the pitch will be a real boost to Chelsea’s young squad, alongside fellow incoming signing Danny Welbeck.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox