According to a report by The Chelsea Chronicle on Monday, 2 November 2026, Steven Gerrard has named Chelsea midfielder Jordan Henderson among the three fittest players he has ever played alongside, praising the England international's outstanding endurance and work rate.

Gerrard made the comments after learning about James Milner's impressive performance in the New York Marathon, where the former Liverpool midfielder completed the race in three hours and nine minutes.

Milner retired from professional football during the summer after a career that included spells at Leeds United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.

Despite ending his playing career, the 40-year-old has continued to demonstrate his exceptional fitness.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Gerrard placed Milner alongside Henderson and former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise when discussing the fittest players he had played with.

“I don’t think my body could do it; that’s why I have so much admiration for Milly. Listen, I know he’s a machine, and I played with him; he’s one of the fittest players I ever played with, if not the fittest,” he said.

“He and Jordan Henderson would be the two fittest; maybe John Arne Riise. I put him in that category. To run a marathon in that time after the career he has had, fair play,” Gerrard added.

Henderson's inclusion is particularly interesting given his growing influence at Chelsea since joining the club.

The midfielder's running statistics this season have highlighted the value he brings to Xabi Alonso's side. He has started four Premier League matches, including the game against Brentford.

Against Bournemouth and Everton, Henderson covered more ground than any other player on the pitch. He also recorded the second-highest distance against Brentford and Tottenham.

The 36-year-old missed Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday because of illness.

Gerrard also believes Henderson will be frustrated by suggestions that Chelsea signed him merely to provide squad depth or offer support from the sidelines.

Alonso's decision to bring the experienced midfielder to Stamford Bridge reflects the importance of his work rate, leadership and ability to maintain high physical standards.