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What the numbers say about Chelsea’s summer signing Jordan Henderson and former target Granit Xhaka

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Chelsea's midfield battle against Sunderland could be interesting as Xabi Alonso may choose to rest Romeo Lavia due to his injury record, potentially leading to Jordan Henderson's return to the side. Henderson is at Chelsea because they failed to sign Granit Xhaka, Alonso's priority target.

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Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · The Chelsea Chronicle ↗
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What the numbers say about Chelsea’s summer signing Jordan Henderson and former target Granit Xhaka
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Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · The Chelsea Chronicle ↗

Chelsea's midfield battle against Sunderland could be interesting as Xabi Alonso may choose to rest Romeo Lavia due to his injury record, potentially leading to Jordan Henderson's return to the side. Henderson is at Chelsea because they failed to sign Granit Xhaka, Alonso's priority target. Xhaka was not sold by Sunderland as they made it clear they wouldn't be selling their captain. The comparison between Henderson and Xhaka is thus relevant.

According to FotMob statistics, Henderson and Xhaka have different strengths this season. Henderson covers more distance and sprints more than Xhaka, with 11.7 km and 9 sprints per 90 minutes compared to Xhaka's 11.3 km and 3.89 sprints. However, Xhaka is making more line-breaking passes and creating more chances, with 15 line-breaking passes and 2.20 chances created per 90 minutes.

Defensively, Xhaka outperforms Henderson, with 10.78 defensive contributions per 90 minutes compared to Henderson's 6.50. Xhaka also has higher averages for tackles and interceptions. Despite Xhaka's strengths, Alonso can be happy with Henderson's signing as he brings experience and hard work, addressing Chelsea's previous issue of being outrun in games.

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Rumour
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The Chelsea Chronicle ↗
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Clubs covered
Chelsea, Manchester United, Sunderland

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Chelsea’s midfield battle against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this weekend could be a very interesting one. Romeo Lavia was excellent against Manchester United, so Chelsea fans will want to see him retain his place in the starting XI. However, that was the second time in a row he played 90 minutes. Given his injury record, Xabi Alonso may want to be cautious with the 22-year-old. If Alonso chooses to give Lavia a rest, that could see Jordan Henderson return to the side. Henderson is only at Chelsea because the Blues failed to sign Granit Xhaka, who was Alonso’s priority until Sunderland made it clear they would not be selling their captain.

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