Chelsea FC signed J. Henderson on a free transfer last summer after his contract with Brentford expired. Steven Gerrard has defended J. Henderson, insisting he shouldn't be viewed as merely a "squad player" at Chelsea FC.

The 36-year-old midfielder joined Chelsea FC on a free transfer last summer after his contract with Brentford ended. He has made a strong start at Stamford Bridge, silencing much of the criticism surrounding the move.

On Saturday afternoon, J. Henderson scored two goals and provided an assist for Morgan Rogers in Chelsea FC's 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth.

Among numerous records he has broken, he became the oldest player to be directly involved in three goals in a single Premier League match, and the oldest player from a top English club to achieve this since Cristiano Ronaldo did so with Manchester United in April 2022.

Chelsea FC has clearly intended for J. Henderson to play a significant role all season, as they sold Enzo Fernandez without bringing in a replacement, and several players in the squad require careful management of their playing time. However, the experienced midfielder is often still viewed as a "squad player."

Gerrard defended J. Henderson during an appearance on 'The Overlap,' insisting this isn't the case. The Liverpool legend said: "That label would frustrate him, just as it would frustrate James Milner.

"It would frustrate many players aged 33, 34, 35, or 36. I left Liverpool because of this. Brendan Rodgers told me at the time, 'Your playing time will decrease and your output will decrease,' but I still felt I was Liverpool's best central midfielder.

"Others might disagree, but that's what I felt then. J. Henderson would be frustrated by this too, because I think it's quite disrespectful to call anyone with that caliber of career—who can still produce at that level—merely a squad player.

"But the reality is, he can't play every match. As a pundit, I think you can communicate this to J. Henderson in a more respectful way."

Gerrard added: "I managed him at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia for six months. I really hoped he would stay longer—I might have kept my job longer! He's truly exceptional: a top professional, completely dedicated to his work, a family man, an outstanding teammate. As a coach or manager, he's also excellent in the dressing room."

"I still think he's a very good player. I don't think he's at his peak anymore, but few players are at their peak at 36. Perhaps only geniuses like Messi or Ronaldo, and I don't think J. Henderson is that type of genius. But I still think he has one more strong season left in him."

"I think he proved that last weekend. I think Ximo Alorís will be smart in how he uses him, knowing when and how to deploy him. For J. Henderson, he wants to be involved every match."

"He won't see himself as a squad player. I know his mentality and his drive. But expecting him to be the same J. Henderson who played at Liverpool—Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday throughout the season—I think that's asking too much.

"Physically, though, he'll remain in excellent condition. His statistics will be as good as anyone's in the team, and his standards will be high. He'll be one of the best players in training every day. From a manager's perspective, you can trust him.

"If J. Henderson fits your tactical plan, you'll use him because he'll do his job fully and help everyone around him. He's a very influential player. I have nothing but good things to say about him, but I wouldn't say he's a top-tier player anymore at this point."

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