Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has praised Xabi Alonso’s decision to strengthen Chelsea with the signings of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, arguing that their experience has added valuable depth and balance to the squad.

The Italian coach believes the arrivals of the two English veterans have improved Chelsea’s overall composition as they prepare for their Premier League meeting with Tottenham. Despite initial questions surrounding their ages, with Henderson 36 and Welbeck 35, both players have made encouraging contributions since moving to Stamford Bridge.

Henderson has started Chelsea’s last two Premier League fixtures, demonstrating that he remains capable of competing at the highest level. Welbeck has also made an impact, scoring three goals in the EFL Cup and providing Alonso with another experienced option in attack.

When Alonso took charge of Chelsea, he reportedly identified a lack of senior leadership and experience within the squad. The former Real Madrid manager subsequently made addressing those weaknesses a priority during his first transfer window, seeking players who could contribute both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Alongside Henderson and Welbeck, Alonso recruited Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa to strengthen his goalkeeping department. While Martinez’s arrival attracted considerable attention, the decisions to sign the two older English players generated debate among sections of the Chelsea fanbase and other observers.

De Zerbi, however, has expressed support for Alonso’s recruitment strategy and spoken positively about the work undertaken by his fellow manager.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Tottenham boss revealed his admiration for Alonso, highlighting the achievements he believes the Spaniard delivered during his time at Bayer Leverkusen and suggesting that circumstances at Real Madrid had not fully reflected his managerial abilities.

De Zerbi also acknowledged Chelsea’s quality, indicating that the club possesses a strong group of players capable of competing across the pitch.

He specifically highlighted the experience brought in through Henderson and Welbeck, arguing that their arrivals have helped create a more complete squad with greater balance across different positions.

Henderson’s addition has provided Chelsea with another experienced presence in midfield. His partnership with Moises Caicedo offers Alonso additional options when attempting to control possession and maintain organisation during matches. Beyond his technical contribution, the former Liverpool captain brings leadership, communication and an understanding of the demands of competing for major honours.

Welbeck, meanwhile, has offered an additional attacking option and demonstrated his ability to contribute goals in cup competitions. His experience could prove useful as Chelsea navigate a demanding schedule, giving Alonso greater flexibility when selecting his forward line.

De Zerbi’s assessment reinforces the argument that experienced signings can serve an important purpose alongside younger players. While questions about their ages initially surrounded both arrivals, their early contributions suggest they can still offer meaningful value.

For Alonso, the challenge will be ensuring that Henderson, Welbeck and the rest of the squad maintain their influence throughout the campaign. As Chelsea prepare to face Tottenham, their combination of youth, experience and tactical flexibility could become an important factor in their pursuit of consistent results in the Premier League.