Xabi Alonso has explained how Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers can operate together as Chelsea prepare to begin their Premier League campaign against Fulham.
The £117million signing from Aston Villa is expected to make his competitive Chelsea debut at Craven Cottage, with Palmer also in contention to start after completing pre-season.
Both players featured behind João Pedro during Chelsea’s final friendly against Real Sociedad, offering an early glimpse of how Alonso intends to accommodate two natural attacking midfielders.
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Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers given freedom by Alonso
Speaking to Sky Sports before Chelsea’s Premier League opener, Alonso explained that Rogers must be capable of contributing during controlled possession and faster transitions.
“When we need to have good control, I think Morgan can do it,” the Chelsea manager said.
Rogers operated predominantly from the left against Sociedad but regularly moved inside and beyond João Pedro. His movement helped produce Chelsea’s opening goal, as detailed in the club’s official report on the 3-1 victory.
That flexibility should allow Palmer to retain the central spaces where he is most dangerous without restricting Rogers to a fixed position.
ReadChelsea previously examined how Rogers’ versatility gives Alonso several different attacking options.
The Chelsea manager also stressed that Palmer requires room to build relationships with the players around him.
“You need to give him his space to connect,” Alonso added.
Chelsea attacking partnership faces first competitive outing
Palmer and Rogers already know each other well after spending time together at Manchester City and progressing through England’s youth system.
Chelsea’s official interview with Rogers explained how the pair occupied adjacent No.10 positions against Sociedad, while interchanging with João Pedro throughout the contest.
That partnership could now be used in competitive action for the first time against Fulham.
ReadChelsea’s predicted Chelsea XI places Palmer and Rogers behind João Pedro, with the pair expected to provide creativity around the Brazilian striker.
Palmer’s availability has also become clearer after Alonso delivered an encouraging update on his fitness before the Fulham game.
Chelsea kick off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at Craven Cottage at 8pm.
Xabi Alonso delivers Cole Palmer fitness update before Fulham
Xabi Alonso delivers Cole Palmer fitness update before Fulham
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Xabi Alonso explains why Marco Palestra gives Chelsea ‘something different’