Scholes Questions Henderson's Starting Role at Chelsea at Age 36

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has voiced his astonishment at Jordan Henderson, 36, starting for Chelsea, particularly after the team's 3-0 defeat to Brentford. Scholes stated on his podcast, The Good The Bad and The Football, that he was surprised by manager Xabi Alonso's decision to field the veteran midfielder against Brentford.

Scholes, who himself played into his mid-thirties, reflected on the challenges older players face in the modern Premier League. "We've been there at 35, 36, 37, you're a million miles away from where you should be," he said. "You can use your experience to get through games, but these days it's more of a young man's game and you will get found out starting a game."

Henderson joined Chelsea as a free agent this summer, with many anticipating his role would be primarily focused on providing leadership and experience off the field rather than consistent starting appearances.

Scholes suggested that Henderson's performance against Brentford highlighted the difficulty of competing at the highest level at that age. "I never expected him to be starting a Premier League game. I don't care how old you are, how much you look after yourself, playing in the Premier League at that age you've got to be a machine, you've got to be athletic. You don't get away with it, you get found out."

The former midfielder drew a parallel to his own experience, recalling a match where he felt he was no longer capable of starting. "I remember I did it against City, I might have been 36, the manager actually picked me and I thought I shouldn't be playing this game, I shouldn't be starting this game. I never touched the ball. I just knew it was too much for me."

Chelsea, under new ownership, has largely pursued younger players on long-term contracts. However, the signings of Henderson and 35-year-old Danny Welbeck this summer marked a shift towards experienced players to bolster the squad. Scholes questioned this strategy, noting, "When you're playing another, Danny (Welbeck) at centre forward - there's two in your team - you're thinking, bloody hell."

Welbeck, who previously played with Scholes at Manchester United, also struggled in the match. Despite his past successes and current contributions in cup competitions, he, like Henderson, faced scrutiny following Chelsea's loss.