Why Rogers and Palmer will thrive together in Alonso's Chelsea

What the report says

BBC Sport’s tactical analysis focuses on how Morgan Rogers could fit into Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea after the attacking midfielder’s reported £117m move from Aston Villa. Rogers highlighted his close friendship with Cole Palmer on arrival, saying the pair had long discussed the idea of playing together, and the article examines whether Alonso can accommodate two players who prefer central attacking spaces.

The report describes Rogers as difficult to pin to one position. Under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, he often defended from the left in a 4-4-2 and attacked from the inside-left channel in a 4-2-3-1, using his pace, ball-carrying, shooting and ability to run beyond defenders. BBC Sport notes that Villa’s more reactive style gave him room to attack quickly, while Alonso is expected to want Chelsea to control possession higher up the pitch.

The analysis argues that Rogers’ physical qualities could still suit Alonso’s approach, especially against teams that press man-to-man. His ability to receive longer passes, hold the ball, beat opponents and combine in tight areas is presented as a possible solution when short build-up is disrupted. BBC Sport also points to Alonso’s experience at Bayer Leverkusen, where his teams often attacked in a 3-2-2-3 or 3-2-5 shape.

In that structure, Rogers could operate as the left-sided attacking midfielder while Palmer plays from the right half-space, with width supplied by wing-backs or wide players. The article says their existing relationship, including time together in Manchester City’s youth set-up, may help, though whether it translates at Chelsea remains unproven.