[Chelsea](https://chelseanews.com/) defeated Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut, and, as many Blues fans were hoping and even expecting, new Aston Villa signing Morgan Rogers played a crucial role in the victory.
He was arguably the standout player on the pitch across from Cole Palmer, and these two are fitting each other like gloves, with Rogers the perfect creative counterweight to Palmer on the left side.
Rogers can finish off the chances that Palmer and Joao Pedro produce, and he was scintillating with a goal and five key passes to lead the team, while also progressing the ball well and even taking the Fulham defense on with successful one on one dribbles.
Since breaking out in the 2024/25 season, Rogers has been one of the best forward and hybrid attacking midfield wingers in the Premier League, epitomizing a new, popular role in world football.
Chelsea needed someone who can score goals, create chances, and progress the ball on the left, a real world class player who can creatively mesh with the rest of the team flexibly.
He does indeed look like the missing piece that Chelsea were looking for, and it will be exciting to see how he continues to get on with Palmer – and is developed by Xabi Alonso at the helm of the entire ship.
Purveyor of footy since the 90s. Favor the Premier League and old school Serie A with a touch of Bundesliga. More than a touch. Professional writer for 20 years, covering every sport but now focused on the Premier League and world football. You won’t be able to guess my favorite team.