Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images
Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images
After confirmation that Maxence Lacroix has completed a move to Chelsea, the Blues are expected to announce the double signing of veteran duo Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.
Seven new signings have already arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer. Three under Xabi Alonso, with Lacroix the third arrival after the signings of Marco Palestra and Morgan Rogers, costing north of £200m.
Before Alonso arrived, Chelsea had already agreed moves for Dastan Satpayev, Denner, Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha. They have all arrived this summer, taking spending to a mind-boggling £300m.
But Chelsea aren’t done yet. Henderson and Welbeck are expected through the door this week, while an announcement for Barco is yet to arrive. Henderson’s leadership and experience will be key for Alonso.
Frank Lampard’s Jordan Henderson verdict proves Chelsea point
Many rival fans have questioned Chelsea’s decision to bring the 36-year-old midfielder to Stamford Bridge this summer. Brentford fans, meanwhile, are fuming after their club announced his departure.
Chelsea's English midfielder Frank Lampa
Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/GettyImages
But ultimately, Chelsea have a world-class group of youngsters and need some older heads to raise the standards and maximise that potential. Granit Xhaka was targeted first in midfield, now Henderson.
During the 2018 World Cup, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard summed Henderson up after his role in a 2-1 win over Tunisia. He explained Henderson’s strengths, strengthening Chelsea’s move to sign him now.
“He played very well. He carried on his recent form with Liverpool. With Jordan Henderson, I probably wasn’t sure what kind of midfielder player he was a few years ago, something of an all-rounder.
Sweden v England: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Photo by David Ramos – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
“But he’s certainly a leader, on and off the pitch, and he’s shown a real intelligence in that role and he’s got great drive in him. You need the passing and the movement behind the lines, and we had that.”
Without Europe, will Henderson actually get any game time?
Alonso’s first match in charge was a massive 6-4 win over Western Sydney. After the game, the new gaffer expressed his disappointment at Chelsea’s ability to manage the game, a fundamental issue last season.
Chelsea want to sign Jordan Henderson graphic
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While Henderson is unlikely to start games over Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez if the latter remains, having a player like Henderson both in the dressing room and as a sub immediately improves Chelsea.
Henderson improves mentality; he improves their standards; he improves their drive. He is a player that others can turn to in difficult times. On the pitch, his experience will help Chelsea see games out.
Next season, the chances are that Henderson will come off the bench more than he starts games. He will be used in the last 15 or 20 minutes at a time, to help Chelsea hold onto a lead – smart, from Alonso.