Collins Reflects on Henderson’s Impact as Brentford Welcomes Sangare

Jordan Henderson may have only spent a short spell at Brentford, but the mark he left behind still hangs in the dressing room.

Nathan Collins has seen enough leaders in his career to know a genuine one when he meets him. Asked by Sky Sports about his former team-mate, the defender didn’t talk first about passes or pressing. He went straight to the person.

“The main thing is him as a person,” Collins said. “It was a short stint, but I think he really enjoyed his time here.”

Henderson arrived with a reputation forged at the very top of the game. By the end of the season, those inside the club had seen exactly why.

“He showed his true colours by the end of the season – who he is and what he’s about,” Collins explained. “He got on with everyone, he had a really good attitude and looked forward to talking to people.”

The impact went far beyond small talk. Henderson set the bar.

“His standards on the pitch were a really big thing. He drove them, and he had a high set of standards. He really drove training a lot.”

That edge is hard to replace. Collins didn’t hide that.

“It’s tough that he’s gone,” he admitted, before quickly pointing to the core that remains. “But we have a few players who can step into that role and help out. What he’s left from last season, I think that will continue.”

Brentford have not just relied on inheritance. They have moved decisively.

To fill the void left by such an experienced midfielder, the club pushed through a £41m club-record deal for Mamadou Sangare from Lens. It is a statement signing: a 23-year-old with medals, numbers and momentum behind him.

Sangare arrives off the back of helping Lens lift the Coupe de France and finishing last season with the highest number of possession recoveries in Ligue 1. He wins the ball, and he wins it often.

Collins has already seen enough on the training pitch to understand why Brentford paid big.

“He brings a lot of energy,” the defender said. “He brings a lot of tackles and forward-thinking passes. He’s just a really good footballer and a smart footballer.”

Settling into a new league can expose even the best talents. Sangare has at least cleared one hurdle quickly.

“He speaks really good English so he’s settled in really nicely,” Collins added. “And to have him in front of you, it’ll be a big help for all players.”

Henderson’s standards have set the template. Sangare’s arrival hints at where Brentford want to go next.