Morgan Rogers (£117m) and Cole Palmer are close friends eager to reunite at Chelsea under new manager Xabi Alonso. Rogers, signed from Aston Villa, thrived under Unai Emery as a versatile left-sided attacker in a 4-2-3-1, combining ball-striking, athleticism, and hold-up play against man-to-man pressure.

Alonso's system prioritises possession with a 3-2-2-3 or 3-2-5 attacking shape. After Bayer Leverkusen's Europa League final loss to Atalanta's intense man-marking, Alonso acknowledged the need for direct solutions. Rogers' ability to receive long passes, beat markers one-on-one, and make runs in behind fits this tactical evolution.

In Alonso's preferred 3-2-2-3, Rogers would occupy the left number 10 role with Palmer on the right, both narrowing from wide areas while wing-backs provide width. Their combination play, central passing, and physicality suit Alonso's short-passing, counter-pressing model. Formation flexibility allows them to start centrally or invert from wings in a 4-2-3-1. Their chemistry from winning the 2020 FA Youth Cup at Manchester City could prove decisive.