Three ways Chelsea could line up with Morgan Rogers as Xabi Alonso considers dual threat

Morgan Rogers will become Britain's most expensive footballer in a deal worth £117million as he moves from Aston Villa to Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has more than one way to integrate Morgan Rogers into his Chelsea side thanks to the superstar's flexibility. The former Aston Villa ace has formalised a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge and moves for a fee of £117million.

This transfer will make Rogers the most expensive player in British history, surpassing Elliot Anderson. Manchester City paid Nottingham Forest £116m for Anderson in July, but this has now been broken.

The Blues beat London rivals Arsenal to the Rogers signing, despite boss Mikel Arteta holding a long-term interest. New manager Alonso is setting up a new-look Chelsea side ready to compete for silverware.

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Left-wing

This is the most popular choice for Rogers and one promised to him during transfer negotiations. It is understood that the Blues plan to use him off the left flank next season, which was a major factor in Rogers agreeing to the move.

Playing out on the wing will allow Cole Palmer to keep his natural position as a No. 10. It will also add some much-needed goalscoring power on the left flank for the Blues.

Excluding Estevao, Chelsea's wingers - Pedro Neto and Geovany Quenda - managed just 16 goals between them during the 2025/26 campaign. Adding Rogers' contributions will only boost the team's numbers and add another threat on the flank.

No. 10

Rogers' flexibility will serve him well at a club like Chelsea. Palmer is the primary choice at No. 10, but his injuries last season stopped him from reaching his previous heights.

Being able to rely on Rogers in the No. 10 will alleviate pressure on his England team-mate and allow the new signing to shine in a natural attacking role. In 82 appearances as a No. 10, the 23-year-old has scored 23 goals and assisted 18 times. This success rate is a promising sign that Chelsea are receiving a player who is flexible.

Dual threat with Palmer

What's better than one No. 10? Two No. 10s that have scored a whopping 60 goals combined. Having Palmer and Rogers as dual threats behind the striker may change up Alonso's formation plans, but it could also be the key to unlocking a barrage of goals.

Rogers will be able to drift out to the wing and play infield if he is placed alongside Palmer as a No. 10. This change will also allow Palmer to manoeuvre across the attacking line and commit to more shots without worrying about leaving his midfield exposed.