Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has explained why they signed former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson following the midfielder's standout performance against Bournemouth
Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, looks on before the Premier League 2026/27 match against Bournemouth
Xabi Alonso has spoken about Jordan Henderson's impact at Chelsea(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has given an insight into why the club pursued former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson in the summer.
The midfielder spent more than a decade at Liverpool between 2011 and 2023 and captained the club to a Premier League title, as well as a Champions League triumph. He departed when the midfield underwent a revamp three years ago and has since spent time in Saudi Arabia, at Ajax and at Brentford.
Back in the summer, he left Brentford following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. He was available as a free agent and Chelsea swooped, having recently appointed Alonso as its new head coach.
After suffering an arm injury during the World Cup with England, Henderson ended up missing the start of the new season. He made his debut for Chelsea before the international break against his former club Brentford, as he played the full 90 minutes of the 3-0 defeat.
However, he returned to action this weekend full of fire and was one of the standout performers against Bournemouth. He opened the scoring for Chelsea inside two minutes before assisting Morgan Rogers a few minutes later.
Joao Pedro added a further two in the second half to render Evanilson's 51st-minute goal for the visitors meaningless. Then, with 20 minutes left to play, Henderson scored his second of the game with an impressive free kick.
Alonso has now provided some insight into why Chelsea pursued the 36-year-old during the transfer window, given the move did prompt some backlash from fans, especially in light of Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City.
Jordan Henderson of Chelsea celebrates with team mates after scoring his second goal and the team's fifth during the Premier League match against Bournemouth
Jordan Henderson scored twice in Chelsea's victory over Bournemouth(Image: Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
"We signed him for everything," the Chelsea boss told reporters post-match. "If he's able to score two beauties like today, we are more than happy for him.
"Today was a very complete performance. We were in control for most of the game so I'm happy with that. I'm happy with the game and the performance."
Henderson did spark some criticism among Liverpool supporters in the aftermath of his goals as a result of his celebrations, which included tapping the Chelsea badge. Chelsea makes the trip to Anfield later this month in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
It remains to be seen what kind of reception Henderson will receive in light of his recent move to one of Liverpool's league rivals. He was warmly received last season when he played against the Reds for Brentford, but representing Chelsea is a different situation, of course.