Analysis: How Jordan Henderson will Strengthen Brentford | OneFootball

What Jordan Henderson Brings to Brentford: Leadership, Stability and Tactical Intelligence

As reported by The Athletic, Jordan Henderson is set to join Brentford on a free transfer after spells in Saudi Arabia with Al Ettifaq and Ajax in the Netherlands. For Brentford, this is a signing that addresses both on-pitch structure and the off-pitch leadership void left by Christian Norgaard’s move to Arsenal.

Henderson’s Ajax Reinvention

At Ajax, Henderson was deployed under Francesco Farioli as a deep-lying No 6, a role quite different from his Liverpool days. As he explained, “It was something different that the coach wanted from my position, both with and without the ball. It was great that even at my age that I could learn something new.”

According to The Athletic, his passmap from the 2024-25 season showed start locations clustering in deep central areas. His responsibility was to act as the metronomic fulcrum, guiding Ajax’s patient build-up play, a marked shift from his box-to-box role at Liverpool. Importantly, Henderson ranks in the 91st percentile among midfielders for movements coming short to receive the ball, underlining his value as a constant outlet in possession.

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Leadership Beyond the Numbers

While Henderson’s goal contributions are modest, his presence and mentality have been widely praised. Ajax technical director Alex Kroes called him “a true captain for us, both on and off the pitch,” while Farioli added, “Jordan is an example… he personifies the values we want to have here.”

That kind of leadership is precisely what Brentford will need after Norgaard’s departure and the managerial shift following Thomas Frank’s exit to Tottenham. Henderson’s ability to guide younger players and set standards in training could be as valuable as his contributions during matchdays.

Tactical Fit in Brentford’s System

New manager Keith Andrews, himself a former defensive midfielder and Brentford’s ex-set-piece coach, will likely value Henderson’s short passing game and his newly developed set-piece delivery. Henderson’s defensive stats also impress, with a high tackle-success rate and sharp recovery of loose balls — both key to Brentford’s direct, opportunistic style.

The Athletic highlighted how Henderson’s quick decision-making, like his first-time assist against RKC Waalwijk, shows a player who knows when to quicken the tempo. Brentford, a team thriving on transitions and second balls, should benefit from having such an experienced organiser at the heart of midfield.

Filling the Captaincy Void

Replacing Norgaard’s influence was always going to be about more than just tactical fit. Henderson’s leadership, professionalism and experience across top-level competitions, including the Premier League and Champions League, make him the ideal figure to step into the role. As Klopp once said, “Hendo’s package of leadership, attitude and consistency was really special.”

For Brentford, a club facing uncertainty over key players like Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, Henderson’s arrival provides both stability and inspiration.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Brentford supporter, it’s hard not to feel excited by this move. Bringing in Jordan Henderson feels like a signal of ambition. Sure, he’s 35, but as The Athletic’s report shows, his game has evolved. He’s not just about energy anymore, he’s about control, intelligence and reading the game — things that only come with experience.

With Keith Andrews now at the helm, there’s a real chance to see Henderson used in a way that maximises his set-piece quality and his ability to calm things down when needed. Fans will remember how often last season we lost control late in games. With Henderson organising things, that should improve.

Off the pitch, having someone who captained Liverpool to the Premier League title and led Ajax back into the Champions League is massive. Younger players like Yehor Yarmoliuk or Mads Bidstrup will benefit hugely from having him around in training every day.

There’s no doubt Henderson’s best days as a physical force are behind him, but Brentford supporters will be hoping his best days as a leader and organiser are yet to come. This feels like a smart, strategic signing that could help the club stay stable in a period of change.