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Paul Merson hasn’t held back in his criticism of the Chelsea deal to sign Morgan Rogers, claiming the Blues don’t need the Aston Villa attacker.
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Paul Merson has had his say on the Chelsea deal to sign Morgan Rogers for £117m, and the former Arsenal defender hasn’t pulled any punches.
“It’s a lot of money. Crazy money. Bringing Morgan Rogers in for £117m isn’t what Chelsea needed,” Merson said in his column on the Sky Sports website.
Chelsea have doubled down in attacking role says Merson
Manager Xabi Alonso of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground
Xabi Alonso (Photo by Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
His point is focused on a close friend of Rogers:
“[Chelsea have] got Cole Palmer! They play in the same position! Rogers went to the World Cup instead of Palmer, because they play in the same position… Joao Pedro is also a number 10. Chelsea have bought an attacking midfielder when they already have two very good ones.”
While it’s clear that Joao Pedro can play between the lines and likes to drop deep, it’s a stretch to say he’s a number 10. He could easily play as a 9 with Palmer and Rogers behind him. It may be another sign we’re moving to a system which uses wing backs under Xabi Alonso.
It does raise big questions about where Enzo Fernandez fits in, however.
In other news…
On the other hand, Joe Cole is one person who is very happy about the Rogers deal, pointing to a few reasons why he thinks it will be a big hit.
Chelsea’s preseason is gradually getting together, and another slew of players are expected to join up this week.
Morgan Rogers
Paul Merson
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Morgan Rogers playing for Aston Villa.Xabi Alonso of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground