Morgan Rogers has handed Xabi Alonso significant freedom over his Chelsea role after insisting he does not want to be restricted to one position.
The £117million summer signing opened his Blues account against Real Sociedad after starting alongside Cole Palmer behind Joao Pedro.
Chelsea’s attacking options are already fiercely competitive, but Rogers believes his versatility can become one of his biggest strengths under Alonso.
“I can play in a number of positions and that’s probably a strength of mine,” Rogers told Chelsea’s official website.
🚨🔵 Morgan Rogers:
"I can play in a number of positions and that's probably a strength of mine."
"I can adapt and give managers a different outlook on different positions. I've always grown up being that way. Understanding the game and learning the game and enjoying it and… pic.twitter.com/fJe51Su0fn
— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) August 18, 2026
Morgan Rogers gives Chelsea major selection flexibility
Rogers has played as a No.10, No.8 and from wide areas during his career, giving Alonso several potential ways to accommodate him without disrupting Palmer.
Chelsea’s new system was particularly fluid against Real Sociedad.
Rogers nominally started from the left of the attacking trio, but regularly moved centrally and even appeared to the right of Joao Pedro when he scored Chelsea’s opening goal.
The 24-year-old explained that he has always tried to understand different positions rather than becoming tied to one specific role. He added that adapting to what the manager and team require is more important than chasing individual goals or assists.
That could prove extremely useful before Chelsea face Fulham.
ReadChelsea reported earlier on Tuesday that Romeo Lavia, Estevao and Jamie Gittens have all returned to give Alonso additional options before the Premier League opener.
More available players creates more competition, but Rogers’ flexibility makes him easier to fit into different combinations.
Palmer can remain in the central areas where he is most dangerous, while Rogers can shift wider or deeper depending on the opposition.
Chelsea spent a British-record £117m to bring Rogers from Aston Villa.
His first Stamford Bridge goal showed what he can provide in attack.
His latest comments suggest Alonso may have bought far more than simply another left-sided forward.
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