Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed he intends to use club-record signing Morgan Rogers alongside Cole Palmer, expecting the England international to make an immediate impact.
Rogers, 24, joined Chelsea on a six-year contract after representing England at the World Cup.
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He is yet to begin pre-season training but is set to meet up with the squad later.
Alonso said the club identified Rogers as the key player needed for his intended role and believes the midfielder will adapt quickly.
"In that position we needed an important player and I'm sure there were not many better options than Morgan Rogers," Alonso said.
He framed the signing as part of a broader squad-building strategy focused on control and balance, arguing that the right mix of players in the right positions would make Chelsea more competitive both with and without the ball.
"You need players who can have that almost instant impact and I'm sure Morgan won't need much time to adapt to the club, the system and his team-mates," Alonso added.
Rogers has signed a six-year contract with an option for a further year.
Alonso said he expects Rogers to pair effectively with Palmer, calling the two players friends and highlighting their potential link-up on the pitch.
"I have a plan. I have an idea.
I can see them linking really well," Alonso said.
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