Steven Gerrard Explains Why Chelsea Star Jordan Henderson Will Be Frustrated Under Xabi Alonso

According to a report by Football London on Tuesday October 13, 2026, Jordan Henderson impressed during Chelsea’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Bournemouth, but Steven Gerrard believes the experienced midfielder could become frustrated if Xabi Alonso continues viewing him mainly as a squad player at Chelsea.

Henderson scored with his first touch after Cole Palmer supplied the ball near the penalty area, then assisted Morgan Rogers before completing his afternoon with an excellent free-kick for Chelsea’s fifth goal there.

The performance came during only his second Chelsea appearance since returning from an arm injury sustained at the World Cup. He previously started against former club Brentford, where supporters made his debut uncomfortable.

Despite his experience, Henderson has often been portrayed as a signing primarily brought in to provide leadership rather than first-team football. Gerrard believes that description risks overlooking what the midfielder can still offer.

Speaking on The Overlap, Gerrard said: “That squad player label will be annoying him. But I think that would have annoyed James Milner. It will annoy a lot of 33, 34, 35, 36-year-olds.”

Gerrard explained that reduced opportunities influenced his own Liverpool departure, adding that Henderson might similarly feel disrespected when people describe him only as a squad player after such a distinguished career as well.

“He is still capable of that type of contribution,” Gerrard said, while acknowledging Henderson would not be expected to feature in every match. He urged journalists to discuss the veteran’s role more respectfully.

Henderson’s running statistics further strengthen his case. He covered 11.6 kilometres against Brentford, ranking second among Chelsea players, then ran farther than any teammate during Chelsea’s convincing home victory over Bournemouth this weekend.

Chelsea outran their opponents for only the second time this season, previously achieving that against Fulham. Henderson’s movement, organisation and willingness to lead by example could help Alonso raise standards across the team.

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