Rogers Estevao
Rogers Estevao
Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Chelsea boss handed the supporters fresh optimism that the Blues could finally mount a challenge for the Premier League title once more.
Back-to-back wins over Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion only fuelled their excitement, but things haven’t been plain sailing for the Spaniard in recent weeks.
Defeats to Arsenal, Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur have derailed their title ambitions, with the club now sitting eight points off the summit after the first nine outings.
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However, during the aforementioned outings, it’s safe to say the manager will have started to gain a clearer picture of the players who will likely play a huge role during his tenure.
Why Rogers & Estevao will be integral to Alonso's hunt for success
After his £117m move from Aston Villa this summer, the pressure was always going to be on Morgan Rogers to deliver the goods for Chelsea in the final third.
Nine games into his time in West London, it’s safe to say the England international has wasted little time in showcasing to Alonso that he’s a player who can be counted on in attacking areas.
The 24-year-old has already registered six goals and assists for the Blues this term, with only Joao Pedro registering more in the Premier League to date.
However, he’s also racked up the most minutes of any player in the Spaniard’s squad since his appointment, which highlights the faith he’s already placed in the big-money talent.
As a result of Rogers’ form, fellow attacker Estevao has often had to wait in the wings for his opportunity - but it’s safe to say he took full advantage during his start last weekend.
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The Brazilian featured for 87 minutes in the victory over Manchester United and created three chances and registered six shots - with both tallies the highest of any player on the pitch.
He provided a constant threat within the final third of the pitch and such a performance will no doubt hand Alonso a selection headache for the months ahead.
Why big-money Chelsea star is totally finished
Given the sheer number of signings at Chelsea in recent years, it’s hardly a surprise when players move on after failing to make the grade at Stamford Bridge.
This summer alone, 20 players departed the Blues either permanently or on loan, as Alonso tried to shape his squad for his debut campaign at the helm.
Over £380m was made in player sales, as big-money signings Liam Delap, Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson all moved on to pastures new elsewhere in the Premier League.
However, none of them were as unsuccessful as winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who has endured a forgettable period since his £88m move to West London in January 2023.
The Ukrainian was loaned out to Spurs for the entirety of the 2026/27 campaign, and it’s now highly unlikely that he will ever return to the senior ranks at the Bridge.
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High expectations were placed upon the 25-year-old to provide the goods for the Blues due to the fee, with the attacker evidently not worth the funds spent on his signing.
He featured 73 times during his first two years at Chelsea, but could only find the back of the net on ten occasions - an average of every 7.3 games he appeared in.
The lack of impact was bad enough, but the deal was made even worse as the attacker was absent for a little over two years after testing positive for a banned substance.
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Mykhailo Mudryk Career Record
Team
Chelsea
Shakhtar
Desna Chernigiv
Arsenal Kyiv
Spurs
Ukraine
Mudryk’s loan spell this campaign was an opportunity for the forward to recapture his best form, but it’s yet another indication that his career with the Blues is now over.
He’s made just one substitute appearance in the Premier League to date, and has been out injured for the last two months due to a suspected ankle injury.
During his aforementioned cameo against Nottingham Forest, he registered just four touches of the ball - whilst being unable to complete any of his attempted dribbles and crosses.
His lack of form, coupled with the form of Rogers and Estevao, will no doubt see him depart the Bridge next summer and bring an end to his dismal couple of years.
There’s no denying the club will lose a pretty penny on their big-money investment, but the time is now right for the club to cut their losses on the deal for the Ukrainian forward.