Paul Scholes Says Chelsea Summer Signing Shouldn’t Be Starting Premier League Games

Paul Scholes has questioned Chelsea’s decision to regularly start Jordan Henderson, arguing that the experienced midfielder should now be used in a more limited role.

Henderson joined Chelsea during the summer transfer window after leaving Brentford, with manager Xabi Alonso adding the former England captain to bring experience and leadership to his squad. 

Scholes Questions Henderson’s Starting Role

Speaking about Henderson’s position in the Chelsea team, Scholes said he did not expect the midfielder to be starting Premier League matches at this stage of his career.

The former Manchester United midfielder believes Henderson’s experience remains useful, but suggested Chelsea could benefit more from using him later in matches rather than relying on him from the opening whistle.

Scholes pointed towards the physical demands of modern Premier League football as a major factor behind his view.

Experience Still Has a Role at Chelsea

Henderson’s arrival was part of Chelsea’s change in recruitment approach under Alonso.

After years of prioritising younger players, the Blues added several more experienced figures during the summer, including Henderson and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Maxence Lacroix and Pep Chavarria also arrived as Chelsea looked to add Premier League experience to the squad. 

For Alonso, Henderson can provide leadership and experience in a squad containing a large number of young players.

However, Scholes believes that does not necessarily mean the 36-year-old should be a regular starter.

Scholes Suggests Henderson Could Be More Effective Late in Games

Rather than starting Premier League matches, Scholes indicated that Henderson could be better suited to a substitute role.

The former midfielder suggested that Chelsea could bring him on during the latter stages of matches, when his experience and ability to manage situations could still prove valuable.

Scholes also pointed to the changing physical demands of top-level football, arguing that experienced players can eventually struggle to maintain the intensity required over a full Premier League match.

Chelsea’s Summer Strategy Under Scrutiny

Henderson’s situation also highlights a wider change in Chelsea’s recruitment strategy.

The club have attempted to find a balance between developing young talent and adding established players capable of providing leadership. Alonso has had significant influence over the squad-building process, with Chelsea also bringing in players with considerable Premier League experience. 

Whether Henderson remains a regular starter or moves into a more rotational role will ultimately be decided by Alonso.

For now, Scholes has made his position clear: Chelsea should not necessarily rely on Henderson as a first-choice Premier League midfielder.