Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea missed out on the signing of Granit Xhaka over the summer, however are already seeing signs of his fight and determination in Morgan Rogers.
Xabi Alonso was keen for the Blues to bring in Xhaka after he enjoyed a successful period with the midfielder at Bayer Leverkusen.
The Sunderland star would have brought a perfect combination of experience and ability to still play at a high level, although his bite and determination would also have been welcome in the squad.
If so many coaches in a row see something in him, I can’t help but think there is a reason why he keeps playing games
Is this not another conundrum set by our SD's. We've always played with attacking fullbacks and box to box midfielders. Possibly the odd marauding CB, how many runs did Rice make from deep lying positions Sunday. I think Reese would be better as the RCB preferably with Josh as the RWB. However I have concerns that Colwill, Caiciedo and Reese need managing
Morgan Rogers is showing the fight Chelsea wanted in Granit Xhaka
The Blues have been accused of being soft in the past, however Morgan Rogers was on a personal mission to disprove that theory against Arsenal on Sunday.
After being cynically tripped off the ball by Declan Rice, the former Aston Villa man was furious and got straight in the face of his England teammate, picking up a yellow card in the process.
While he had good reason to be angry, it will have caught Chelsea supporters off guard to see one of their players with that much fight in him, which is exactly what they were imagining would happen if they signed Xhaka.
Rogers has settled into life at Stamford Bridge very comfortably, scoring twice and assisting another in his first three Premier League games.
It has taken him no time at all to live up to the big price tag, but he is now proving there is more to his game than just his attacking skillset.
Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Chelsea missing Granit Xhaka as a midfield option
Chelsea certainly missed a trick not signing Xhaka, however are feeling that absence more now due to their lack of midfield options available.
Moises Caicedo could be out until after the international break, and Enzo Fernandez was not replaced when he left the club on deadline day.
This has left Chelsea with Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco as recognised midfield options, with Reece James and Malo Gusto filling in as required.
They will not be able to address this again until the January transfer window, where they are likely to return to try and sign Alex Scott from Bournemouth.