The real reason Jordan Henderson is now one of Xabi Alonso’s first names on the teamsheet
Jordan Henderson started and finished Saturday’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday as Chelsea got back to winning ways. The spotlight is on the veteran after his two stunning goals.
Henderson got the ball rolling as he curled home Chelsea’s first of five off the post. Then, literally seconds later, he found Morgan Rogers to score a second. Even Jude Bellingham was impressed with his display.
The veteran midfielder made it five when he was surprisingly given the chance to score from a free-kick, curling an effort into the top corner. But it isn’t Henderson’s goals that surely make him first choice now.
Henderson tops running charts as Chelsea outrun Bournemouth
When Xabi Alonso goes to pick his side to face Everton away from home on Saturday, Henderson has got to be one of the first names on the teamsheet. To do what he did, and to then drop him, would be crazy.
But it isn’t the goals that Alonso should pick him for. Saturday was an anomaly; Henderson is not going to score regularly for Chelsea, and it would be no surprise if he didn’t score again for the Blues this season.
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What Alonso should pick Henderson for is his commitment, his fitness, and the way he raises standards on the pitch. Morgan Rogers claimed Henderson is the fittest player in Chelsea’s current squad right now.
Despite his age, it might well be true, judging by the distances covered on Saturday. Henderson clocked up 11.9km, the biggest distance of any player – half a kilometre more than 2nd, left-back Pep Chavarria.
Not only is Henderson working his socks off, covering every blade of grass, but it inspires his Chelsea teammates to do the same. It helped Chelsea control Bournemouth and largely dominate the match.
Only the second time Chelsea have outrun an opponent
Work rate is a real issue for Chelsea, whether that be a lack of fitness or a lack of determination. Last season, Chelsea were outrun in 37 of 38 league games, finishing rock bottom in the league for distance.
However, this season, they are averaging around 8km more per match, at around 113km a game. They are 13th in the league on average, which is an enormous improvement on last season’s running stats.
On Saturday, Chelsea outran Bournemouth by 1.9km [115.4km v 113.5km]. It is no coincidence that with Henderson on the pitch, the entire Chelsea squad is working harder, and Alonso must pick him for that.
It was only the second time that Chelsea have run more than an opponent this season; in just six league games, they have already done so more than last term. Alonso deserves credit, as does Henderson.
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