Nathan Collins confident Brentford can maintain Jordan Henderson’s high standards

Nathan Collins believes Brentford are well equipped to maintain the standards set by Jordan Henderson, despite the veteran midfielder leaving the club for Chelsea this summer.

Henderson departed the Gtech Community Stadium by mutual consent after just one season, but Collins insists the former England captain's influence on the dressing room will continue long after his exit.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Brentford defender highlighted Henderson's leadership and professionalism, admitting his departure is a loss but one the squad can overcome.

The 36-year-old made 34 appearances as the Bees finished ninth in the Premier League last season, becoming one of the most influential figures in Keith Andrews' squad.

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

"He showed his true colours by the end of the season - who he is and what he's about. He got on with everyone, he had a really good attitude and looked forward to talking to people."

Collins believes Henderson's standards on the training ground were just as valuable as his performances on the pitch.

"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.

"It's tough that he's gone, 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 already moved to replace Henderson by completing a club-record £41m deal for Mamadou Sangarefrom Lens.

The 23-year-old arrives after an impressive spell in France, where he helped Lens win the Coupe de France and finished last season with the highest number of possession recoveries in Ligue 1.

Collins believes the midfielder has already settled quickly in west London.

"He brings a lot of energy. He brings a lot of tackles and forward-thinking passes. He's just a really good footballer and a smart footballer.

"He speaks really good English so he's settled in really nicely and to have him in front of you, it'll be a big help for all players."

Brentford begin their Premier League campaign at home against Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur, giving Sangare the opportunity to make an immediate impact.

While replacing Henderson's leadership will not be straightforward, Collins believes the culture established last season remains firmly in place. However, maintaining those standards throughout a demanding Premier League campaign will ultimately be the biggest test for Brentford's squad.

Brentford's attention now turns to their Premier League opener against Tottenham, where Sangare could make his competitive debut. The Bees will also look to demonstrate that Henderson's departure has not weakened the dressing-room culture Collins believes was established during the midfielder's season at the club.

Can Brentford maintain last season's standards without Jordan Henderson, or will his departure leave a bigger gap than expected?