Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has expressed satisfaction with Danny Welbeck’s early contribution to the club while also underlining the importance of Jordan Henderson’s experience within the squad.
Welbeck joined Chelsea from Brighton and Hove Albion during the summer transfer window as Alonso sought to strengthen his attacking options with a player who has extensive Premier League experience.
The 35-year-old has quickly settled into his new surroundings, with his teammates impressed by the way he has fitted into the squad away from match action.
His performances on the pitch have also offered encouragement, particularly in the Carabao Cup, where he has found the net in both of Chelsea’s matches in the competition so far.
Welbeck scored on his Chelsea debut against Luton and could now be handed his first Premier League start for the club when the Blues visit Brentford at the Gtech Stadium.
Alonso is yet to confirm whether the veteran forward will feature from the beginning, but the Chelsea boss has been impressed by how quickly the striker has adapted.
‘He has adapted very well,’ said Alonso. ‘There was no doubt about that. He has connected very well with the team. He knows what he has to do.
‘He has started a couple of games in the Carabao Cup, and the other day he was close to scoring one goal, so yeah, we are happy with Danny.’
With Chelsea facing a busy schedule across domestic and European competitions, Alonso stressed that competition for places means every member of his squad has to remain ready for their opportunity.
‘It’s about having a complete squad and about knowing that everyone is ready to play whenever they’re needed,’ he added. ‘You have to be ready. This is professional football, and you need to know when you are in, you need to perform.’
Chelsea’s trip to Brentford will also take them to a ground familiar to Henderson, although the experienced midfielder has yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues.
Henderson has been recovering from the arm injury he sustained at the World Cup this summer, leaving his availability for the Brentford encounter uncertain. Alonso, however, has not completely ruled out the possibility of the 36-year-old being involved against his former club.
The Chelsea manager also explained why the club opted to bring Henderson to Stamford Bridge during the summer, pointing to the midfielder’s experience and his ability to influence those around him.
‘We analysed it and we wanted to have a good balance between maturity, between experience, between talent, between energy. We have taken a step forward, and we have improved, I think, in that part.
‘Jordan has played an important role being a midfielder, with the impact that he can have with other players, but he has this quality and this personality to improve and to help other players as well.
‘We wanted to have a good balance and people who could add value for what they do and what could improve the other ones, and Jordan does it very well.’
