Jordan Henderson has said all the right things after joining Chelsea. However, the reason he has joined the Blues must be that he is happy with now being a bit-part player.
When asked what attracted him to Chelsea on one of the club's official pages, Henderson replied, "Well, I think the club speaks for itself. The size of the club, the history of the club, the fans, a huge fan base. The manager, like I just said, is obviously a huge factor in the team as well.
"I think there’s so much potential, so much quality within the squad. I know a few of them. So, yeah. I think all of them factors, really, is played a big part, but as soon as I heard about the chance to come in and the opportunity, it was an easy decision, really."
Of course, Chelsea is a huge club, so it is a big step up in status for Henderson to join from Brentford. However, he played 32 Premier League games for the Bees last season, scoring once and providing three assists. One of the goals he set up was for Kevin Schade in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
Henderson's form for Brentford earned him a place back in the England squad for the World Cup. He was happy just to be a squad player at the tournament, making just a six-minute cameo against Panama in the Three Lions' final group stage match.
The midfielder may have got more game time with England had he not broken his arm whilst trying to leapfrog over an advertising board after the victory over Mexico. Henderson's inclusion for England is a contentious one with supporters. Many do not understand why he is involved just because he is a good influence on the group.
Signing Henderson for being an experienced leader would be one of the main reasons why Xabi Alonso has signed him. The Blues have a young squad, and adding the likes of Henderson and Danny Welbeck from Chelsea shows how much Alonso values experience.
Jordan Henderson is now content with being a bit-part player
Henderson was happy with his role with England, even if he made just one appearance during England's run to the semi-finals. Therefore, he now appears up for doing the same with Chelsea. He is now 36, so cannot expect to play every game during a season anymore.
He will now be competing for a spot in central midfield with Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine is no doubt a quality player, but is not a leader, despite having worn the armband when Reece James has been injured.
Fernandez can also be a disruptive presence in the group as he flirted with the idea of joining Real Madrid. However, Los Blancos left him with egg on his face after they put out a statement denying any interest in the player.
Henderson will likely be an option off the bench for Fernandez. However, the Argentine, who is 11 years younger than Henderson, could learn a great deal from the England international.
Chelsea finished in a disappointing 10th place in the Premier League last season. They will be without European football this season, but still had a coup is managing to get Alonso appointed to lead them in this campaign.
Henderson knows what it is like to be successful in the top flight as he was Liverpool's captain when they won their first Premier League title. His move to Al-Ettifaq was a mistake, as he lost a lot of respect. This was due to Henderson previously being a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community but moving to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal.
The midfielder has rebuilt his reputation at Ajax and then at Brentford. This has earned him an opportunity back at one of English football's biggest clubs. Henderson has signed a two-year deal with Chelsea, but is coming to the end of his career. It could be a great way for him to finish his playing days by helping Chelsea get back to where they belong.
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