Morgan Rogers has spoken out about Jordan Henderson taking over Chelsea’s free-kick duties after the midfielder starred in a 5-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth. Morgan Rogers admitted he was surprised to see the Englishman step up as Chelsea’s free-kick taker when he returned from his international break, but he praised Henderson for doing a great job.
Jordan Henderson had a brilliant game against Bournemouth on October 10, scoring two goals and laying one assist as the Blues returned to winning ways. The 36-year-old opened the scoring in the second minute before assisting Morgan Rogers in the next before finishing the game with a sublime free-kick in the second half.
Rogers, who had been one of the primary free-kick takers for Chelsea, revealed that the switch happened while he was on his break with the senior England team. Morgan Rogers was surprised to hear that Jordan Henderson had impressed the coaches during the training sessions and had the dressing room’s blessing to take over the free-kicks. He said:
“They did it behind my back! People said he was too old and you saw [vs Bournemouth] what he does. Everyone in the dressing room knows what he can do. He’s probably still the fittest player at the club to be honest. He’s a machine. People forget about his football because they just think he’s experienced. But the guy can still play.”
Jordan Henderson’s Free-Kick Heroics Show Chelsea’s Training Ground Work
The spectacular free-kick goal that Jordan Henderson scored in the game against Bournemouth was special, but the midfielder owed it to his team’s preparation. Henderson revealed that the idea came after his colleagues and the set piece coach, Austin MacPhee, had asked him to practice the routine more in training.
Henderson’s input in the game was much more than just a goal. The veteran laid the first assist for Morgan Rogers that saw the forward open the scoring for his side. In the end, Chelsea registered a five-goal rout against Bournemouth as Henderson continued to dazzle in attack.
The midfielder also recorded the highest player rating of the match and was named Player of the Match by the fans. For Chelsea, Jordan Henderson’s performance is another reminder of the value of his experience.