Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes Morgan Rogers can become a key player for the London club over the next six or seven years, after the England international made an immediate impression following his move from Aston Villa.
Rogers joined Chelsea in a €138m deal from Aston Villa and has already contributed a goal and an assist in his first two Premier League appearances for the club.
The attacking midfielder has been involved in both of Chelsea’s league matches so far, as Alonso’s side began their Premier League campaign with consecutive victories. Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-2 before beating Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3.
Alonso’s assessment places Rogers among the players expected to have a significant role in Chelsea’s plans for the long term. The manager described the 23-year-old as someone who can remain an important part of the team for the next six or seven years.
Rogers’ first two league outings have produced an encouraging return. He scored once and created another goal, helping Chelsea maintain a perfect start despite the narrow margins in both matches.
Chelsea’s opening fixture against Fulham ended in a 3-2 win, while their second game produced an even higher-scoring result against Brighton & Hove Albion, with the London club prevailing 4-3. The two victories have given Chelsea six points from their first two Premier League games.
The early results have also provided Rogers with a positive beginning at his new club. Having arrived from Aston Villa for €138m, he has quickly moved into the first-team picture and recorded a goal contribution in each of his first two league appearances.
For Alonso, the immediate output is only part of Rogers’ value. His comments indicate that Chelsea view the attacking midfielder not simply as a recent high-profile signing, but as a player who could remain central to the team over a lengthy period.
Rogers’ start has therefore combined individual production with a strong team record. Chelsea have scored seven goals across their opening two Premier League matches, although they have also conceded five, with both games decided by a single goal.
The victories over Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion represent Chelsea’s opening results under the current campaign, while Rogers’ goal and assist have marked his arrival in a way that reflects the scale of the investment made in him.
Alonso now expects the former Aston Villa player to develop into a long-term presence at Stamford Bridge. His view is that Rogers will be a key Chelsea player over the next six or seven years, giving the midfielder an important status within the club’s future plans.