Three Exciting Formations Chelsea Could Unleash With Morgan Rogers

Xabi Alonso is already leaving his mark in west London, with Chelsea's incoming manager reportedly playing a pivotal role in convincing Morgan Rogers to sign with the club in a stunning $157.3 million (£117 million) deal.

Rogers had drawn attention from Premier League title holders Arsenal, but Chelsea's determination won over not just Aston Villa but the 23-year-old himself.

The England international will finalize the move upon returning from the United States, having been part of the Three Lions squad that secured the country's best World Cup result since 1966.

Alonso's appointment has sparked yet another fresh chapter for the Blues, who cycled through multiple managers last season and ultimately missed out on European football for 2026–27. Nevertheless, BlueCo's spending power remains undiminished, and they are determined to propel Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League under Alonso without delay.

Rogers's Premier League track record speaks for itself, and his adaptability gives Chelsea's new head coach plenty of options when it comes to deploying the Englishman across various positions.

Here are three ways the Blues could set up with their $157 million acquisition in attack.

Morgan Rogers As Chelsea's Left Winger

It remains unclear which system Alonso will default to at the outset of his tenure in west London. The Spaniard found enormous success with a back three in Germany, though Premier League managers have generally struggled with an extra center back since Antonio Conte claimed the title with Chelsea back in 2016–17.

Alonso is expected to be tactically flexible, and Rogers's ability to operate on the left flank suggests Cole Palmer will most likely retain his role as Chelsea's No. 10.

The Blues, aside from the promising Estêvão, were noticeably underwhelming in wide areas last season, having assembled a collection of unremarkable wingers.

While Rogers made his name at Villa Park playing off the shoulder of Ollie Watkins, transfermarkt data shows he has featured as a left winger more than any other position throughout his senior career. That said, it doesn't make him a conventional touchline-hugging winger. Unai Emery's famously narrow setup gave Rogers the license to drift inside and operate centrally.

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old is comfortable in wide roles. He links up effectively and brings pace to attacking moves. Ideally, you'd want an overlapping left back getting in behind Rogers or supporting him when he cuts inside, as he isn't quite in the mold of a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Bradley Barcola. In the right setup, as was demonstrated at Villa Park, Rogers can be a real threat out wide.

Palmer, operating from the No. 10 role, tends to gravitate toward the right side of the pitch and cut inside onto his stronger left foot, but having a familiar face on the opposite flank could encourage him to develop into an even greater roaming presence.

Morgan Rogers As Chelsea's No. 10

Rogers is unlikely to unseat Palmer, but Chelsea's current No. 10 could be shifted out wide right in games where Alonso prefers Rogers operating in closer proximity to João Pedro.

The Villa standout is a valuable off-the-ball mover who stretches backlines and can arrive powerfully into the box. He's also a tenacious and physically imposing ball-carrier, and Alonso will appreciate having a genuine weapon on the counter-attack.

It is in central areas where Rogers causes the most damage. The 23-year-old's ability to drive through the core of opposing defensive structures proved crucial at Villa, though he can be inconsistent in terms of passing efficiency and precision.

Alonso reportedly sold his Chelsea vision to Rogers with the Englishman penciled in as the left-wing starter, but there is certainly room for him to be deployed as the primary No. 10 as well.

Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer As Dual 10s

Chelsea's summer transfer activity has hinted that Alonso may also employ a back three next season, with Italian newcomer Marco Pelestra set to make an impact as a wingback in west London.

Alonso transitioned to a back four at Real Madrid, but achieved the majority of his managerial success at Bayer Leverkusen with three center backs. It will certainly be a tactical option for the Blues, and we could see Rogers operate in partnership with his close friend Palmer.

The two came through the academy system at Manchester City together and have stayed close ever since, with Rogers even poking fun at Palmer for borrowing his now-iconic 'cold' celebration.

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Palmer must be delighted to have his former youth academy teammate on board, given that Chelsea's No. 10 is a player who flourishes when given the freedom to combine and create. Rogers should be perfectly aligned with that approach, and together, the two could be a formidable force operating between the lines.

While Liam Delap was another former City academy product who shone alongside Palmer and Rogers, he is unlikely to dislodge João Pedro as Chelsea's first-choice striker under Alonso.