Morgan Rogers has joined Chelsea for £117m and is set to link up with close friend Cole Palmer under new manager Xabi Alonso. The article argues that, although the pair have similar attacking profiles, Rogers’ versatility, athleticism and ability to beat opponents could make him well suited to Alonso’s possession-focused system.

At Aston Villa, Rogers often started from the left before moving inside to shoot or make centre-forward-style runs, while also contributing defensively in a 4-4-2 shape. Chelsea may ask him to help overcome intense man-to-man pressing by holding up direct passes, carrying the ball forward and winning individual duels; these strengths could complement Palmer rather than simply duplicate him.