Why Rogers and Palmer can excel together under Alonso

Morgan Rogers highlighted his close bond with Cole Palmer immediately after completing his move to Chelsea from Aston Villa for 117 million pounds.

"We have discussed this often - that we would always enjoy teaming up," the attacking midfielder said.

"He has been constantly calling and messaging me, and I am eager to get started. Playing alongside one of my best friends every day stands out as something truly special. I feel very enthusiastic about it."

Both players want to share the pitch, yet the question remains whether new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso can devise a formation that suits two comparable attacking midfielders.

Here we examine Rogers' qualities and consider how Alonso may organize his team this campaign.

What defines Rogers' approach on the pitch?

Assigning Rogers to one rigid spot proves challenging.

Like any footballer, maximizing his impact requires recognizing the broader contributions he can make. His optimal position may shift based on teammates and the opponent's arrangement.

Aston Villa coach Unai Emery granted Rogers a prominent role in recent achievements, which helped justify the substantial fee.

Emery built his setup around defensive strength, frequently in a 4-4-2 shape without the ball. Villa often absorbed pressure before launching swift counters into open spaces.

This suits Rogers, who blends powerful shooting with notable speed and stamina.

Last season he operated mainly on the left of a 4-2-3-1, cutting inside from the flank while the left-back offered width.

From that area he favored curling efforts toward the far post with his right foot, yet he could also adjust to strike near the near post at the final instant.

How might Rogers adapt at Chelsea?

Alonso favors ball dominance and prolonged attacks inside the opposition half. This contrasts with the method that unlocked Rogers' best form at Villa.

While this shift could prompt concerns, last season saw increased high man-to-man pressing, complicating build-up play from the back.

Leading sides responded by valuing players who hold possession, carry over distance, and beat markers in one-on-one situations.

Against man-oriented defenses the contest breaks into individual duels, making strong dribblers highly prized.

These traits align closely with Rogers' profile.

How can Rogers and Palmer combine effectively?

Grasping Alonso's structure clarifies how the pair might flourish together.

Whether Chelsea line up in a back four or five, the team adopts a 3-2-2-3 or 3-2-5 shape with the ball.

Many of Rogers' standout moments at Villa occurred in the inside-left zone. Alonso will likely place him there during possession phases.

Width on the left would then come from another source, such as a wing-back in a five or a winger in a four. In the latter case Rogers starts more centrally.

Alonso backed the signing partly because Rogers can operate across the front line, as shown when he played right winger for England versus Argentina.

Palmer also prefers central areas on the right. In a 3-2-2-3 both could sit side by side behind a striker like Joao Pedro.

Rogers exploits space well, yet his link-up play, central distribution, and shooting from distance allow him to penetrate compact defenses when paired with like-minded teammates such as Palmer.

A versatile answer to tactical challenges

In Alonso's favored 3-2-2-3 with the ball, Rogers on the left number 10 spot and Palmer on the right should suit the system.

To reach those positions Alonso can deploy them ahead of a back five with wing-backs, mirroring his Leverkusen setup.

From a 4-2-3-1 one can start centrally while the other inverts from the wing, with a full-back advancing on that side and a winger holding width opposite.

Whether their long-standing chemistry, forged when winning the FA Youth Cup with Manchester City in 2020, translates to senior success is uncertain.

What is clear is that Rogers brings Premier League experience and versatility that matches many demands of Alonso's Chelsea project.