Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has waxed lyrical about new signing Morgan Rodgers and believes the Englishman has what it takes to make a name at Stamford Bridge.
The West Londoners paid a fee in the region of £117 million this summer to secure the services of Rodgers from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Rodgers has been touted as one of the best players in Europe, and Chelsea had to beat other teams for his signature.
Chelsea are waiting for the 24-year-old to join his new teammates as he is currently on holiday due to his exploits with England in the just-ended World Cup.
The Blues are currently in Australia preparing for the new season, which starts in August.
“For sure, it’s a great signing,” Alonso said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s first pre-season fixture against Western Sydney Wanderers.
“In that position, we needed an important player and there were not many better options than Morgan Rodgers. His signing means a lot for everyone and for the players that are already here.
“One of his best qualities is that he is flexible. He plays in that pocket position, close to the striker, close to our number ten – but he has also played on the right side even though he is more used to coming in from the left.
“He feels he is enjoying his game, his flow, and I’m sure he will have good connections with the other players around him. If we get those connections right, that will be a great step forward in the quality of our game.”
Rodgers made over 120 appearances for Aston Villa during a two-and-a-half-year stay with the Birmingham-based club.
He scored 31 goals, provided 29 assists, and was part of the team that hoisted the Europa League trophy in the 2025/2026 season.
