According to a report by The Chelsea Chronicle on Monday, November 2, 2026, Steven Gerrard has included Chelsea midfielder Jordan Henderson among the three fittest players he has ever played alongside, highlighting the England international's remarkable stamina, endurance and commitment.

Gerrard made the comments while discussing James Milner's impressive achievement in the New York Marathon, where the former Liverpool midfielder completed the race in three hours and nine minutes.

Milner, 40, retired from professional football during the summer after a career that saw him represent several major clubs, including Leeds United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton. Despite bringing his playing career to an end, he has continued to demonstrate the exceptional fitness that characterised his time on the pitch.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Gerrard praised Milner and identified Henderson and former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise as other players who possessed outstanding physical conditioning.

“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,” Gerrard 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,” he added.

Henderson's inclusion reflects the importance of his physical contribution to Chelsea since arriving at Stamford Bridge. The 36 year old has continued to demonstrate his ability to cover significant distances and maintain a high work rate under manager Xabi Alonso.

His running statistics this season have reportedly been particularly impressive. Henderson has started four Premier League matches, including the encounter against Brentford.

He covered more ground than any other player during Chelsea's matches against Bournemouth and Everton. He also recorded the second-highest distance covered against Brentford and Tottenham.

However, Henderson was unavailable for Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday because of illness.

Gerrard also believes the midfielder would be unhappy with suggestions that Chelsea brought him in merely to provide additional squad depth or offer support from the sidelines.

Henderson's experience, leadership and physical commitment remain important qualities for Alonso as Chelsea look to maintain their competitiveness throughout the campaign.

Clarify the Chelsea arrival referenceTighten the repeated fitness referencesMake the opening more direct