I managed both Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck – here’s why they are the smartest of transfers for Chelsea

GOLDEN oldies Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck will do what Chelsea legend John Terry did and galvanise Blues’ young guns. That is the verdict of Prem legend Steve Bruce who managed both the dynamic duo during their Sunderland days — and Terry at Aston Villa. Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson have arrived at Chelsea this summer in a big divorce from their Credit: Alamy Steve Bruce reckons Chelsea’s new olden goldies will galvanise the Blues’ young squad Credit: Shutterstock Editorial As far as former Manchester United skipper Bruce is concerned, there is simply no substitute for experience. Blues boss Xabi Alonso signed midfielder Henderson, 36, and striker Welbeck, 35, from Brentford and Brighton respectively this summer. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Bruce saw first hand the benefits of having a wise old head after luring centre-back Terry to Villa on a free in the twilight of his career in 2017. The former England skipper was 36 and able to provide vital know-how to the then Championship side to get the club moving in the right direction again. Bruce said: “The prospect of Chelsea getting Jordan and Danny at their age was deemed daft by some but for me they’re the smartest of signings. “It’s a bold move but also a very, very shrewd move by Xabi Alonso to bring in two relatively old heads. “And I wasn’t surprised at all that they’ve been snapped up because I brought in John Terry to do exactly the same thing — bring leadership to a young group at Villa. “This is Alonso stamping his mark on the club because young players often need the voice of experience beside them. It’s clear Chelsea have recognised the merits of a better blend which bodes well for them.” Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK And after being handed the captaincy by Bruce, JT galvanised Villa and ended up playing 36 games, finishing with a heartbreaking play-off final defeat by Fulham, Chelsea’s opponents in their Prem opener tonight. Bruce explained: “As well as defensive qualities, I wanted John to influence the players in terms of how to train and what you needed to do to reach the top and stay there. “And I have to say JT was inspiring — he set standards and was a real breath of fresh air as a role model, and the younger players relished following his example. “Villa were still fighting back after being relegated and there was lots of doom and gloom. “It needed someone like JT to show the players the way forward and lead by example on and off the field. “He brought drive to the dressing room and that’s invaluable to managers. “In a similar way, Chelsea’s dressing room will look up to Jordan and Danny for what they’ve achieved and the type of pros they are and that will pay dividends. “It’s a real statement of intent and a priority is clearly to bring stability to his dressing room. The Chelsea Blueprint on YouTube Calling all Chelsea fans - we have a brand new YouTube channel! “And there’s no better way to do it than to bring in two of the English game’s finest elder statesmen, so to speak. “All the young players at Chelsea will look up to these two in admiration and learn vital lessons and they’ll create a feeling of togetherness. “They have thought the average age of the squad is too much on the young side and Danny and Jordan will redress the balance with experience. “They’ve gone out and signed two seasoned Premier League campaigners who will lead from the front. “They won’t play 50 games but they look after themselves, and if they get 25 to 30 games under their belt they’ll have done their jobs.” Bruce worked with the pair fairly on in their careers. Henderson was coming through the ranks at Sunderland and Bruce’s United connections got rising star Welbeck to Wearside on loan for the 2010-11 campaign. And they combined to fabulous effect at Stamford Bridge as Sunderland chief Bruce masterminded a stunning 3-0 win on November 14, 2010. Chelsea ticket and hospitality deals GET tickets to see Chelsea home games at Stamford Bridge with these official deals. The packages include optional upgrades to VIP hospitality. ⚽ 30 Aug v Brighton — BOOK HERE ⚽ 12 Sep v Hull — BOOK HERE ⚽ 10 Oct v Bournemouth — BOOK HERE ⚽ 24 Oct v Spurs — BOOK HERE ⚽ 31 Oct v Man United — BOOK HERE More games available here. *If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Henderson caught the eye with a vital assist while striker Welbeck sealed victory late on. Bruce added: “The reason Jordan got into the first team was based on his leadership qualities, even as a youngster. “Even though he was just 18, he helped the more experienced players work their way through the challenges of pre-season. “That ability to lead by example got him in the team and kept him in the team and earned him a move to Liverpool where he won the lot. “It’s one thing being driven and being a good pro, you’ve also got to have technical ability and he’s shown he’s got it in abundance time and time again for club and country. “He made the best of his natural ability due to hunger, desire and commitment to better himself. And there’s still that determination to succeed which was there for all to see when he was a teenager. “His potential was vast and over the years at Liverpool, Jordan proved to be a hell of a signing by Kenny Dalglish. “You can’t deny anyone the chance to move to a club of Liverpool’s stature and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and became a mainstay of the side. Welbeck, 35, brings years of experience in the top flight with the likes of Man Utd and Arsenal Credit: Getty Henderson, 36, brings title-winning experience as a captain and World Cup pedigree Credit: Getty “To keep himself in such good nick for so long is down to his desire, which is born in you, and his commitment to his profession.” Bruce tried to bring in Welbeck when he was Hull boss but he joined Arsenal in 2014. He said: “I always felt that Manchester United got rid of Danny too quickly. “He’s got the lot as a forward, two good feet, clever movement, good finishing ability, and what’s key is he seems to be getting better with age. “He scored 13 Prem goals last season in a good Brighton side and if he stays fit he’ll have a very positive impact. “Danny’s had a wonderful career and now, like Jordan he’s got the chance to end it on another high.” Comment now