Alonso hails Henderson, Caicedo partnership after Chelsea’s 5-1 thrashing of Bournemouth

​Alonso also praised Romeo Lavia, saying the midfielder “played good minutes” during the intriguing encounter.

​By Kehinde Okeowo

​Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has admitted that the excellent midfield partnership between Moisés Caicedo and Jordan Henderson helped the Blues to thump Bournemouth 5-1 in a Premier League encounter on Saturday.

​The Spanish tactician made the remark while analysing the fixture during his post-match press conference.

​Henderson and Morgan Rogers scored twice each, while João Pedro also found the net as Chelsea returned from the international break with a convincing win at Stamford Bridge.

​Prior to the emphatic victory and compact display, Chelsea’s midfield had been a source of concern for Alonso.

​Asked after the match about the partnership between Henderson and Caicedo and how effectively the duo worked together, the Spaniard hailed their understanding of one another.

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​According to him, the two midfielders are quite different in terms of the qualities they possess and their positioning.

​The former Real Madrid gaffer also noted that “they help each other” while providing presence and stability to the entire team.

​Alonso said: “Both, in terms of qualities, are different, and in terms of positioning as well. I think that they help each other well and they give presence, they give stability. You know that they are going to be the ones helping the rest, not just for their qualities, but because they understand the game.

​“They can play in shorter spaces, but as well defensively, they give good balance. For me, it’s fundamental that we get that area strong, and for sure with Moisés, Hendo played today—it was his second game.

​“Romeo [Lavia] as well, he played good minutes, Reece [James] has played there a little bit on some minutes, and [Valentin] Barco, so we need to keep building around that.”