When Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso, there was plenty of immediate optimism. But such has been the disappointment over the last year that there was concern about whether Alonso could meet the hype.
Ever since BlueCo arrived, managers have not been allowed to manage in the way they have wanted. For the first time, it looks as if BlueCo are shelving their own power and providing the manager with more.
With his best mate Morgan Rogers announced, how many goals and assists does Cole Palmer get this season?👀
Alonso looks as if he has as much say in the transfer market as the quintet of sporting directors calling the shots. Marco Palestra joined on Alonso’s say-so, with the right-back adding versatility at the back.
But Chelsea fans were hoping for Alonso to use his massive reputation to bring some game-changing players to Stamford Bridge. Well, Morgan Rogers is exactly that – with Alonso playing a massive role.
What Xabi Alonso did to help convince Morgan Rogers
It is no secret that Rogers had Arsenal courting him. Man United and PSG had also shown interest in the 23-year-old. For Rogers to join Chelsea, he needed convincing, with the Blues lacking European football.
Speaking on the Straight Outta Cobham podcast, reporter Simon Phillips shares how Alonso spoke to Rogers on Friday ahead of a deal being confirmed. The phone call is said to have played a big role.
“By Friday, Alonso was on the phone with Rogers. That conversation, as you’d expect, as a lot of Chelsea fans hoped, had a massive impact. It really sold the club. The chance to play for Xabi Alonso was massive.”
Alonso has stepped up to the plate and delivered just where Chelsea fans hoped he might. That ability to attract a top-tier player is why he was hired. It is difficult to imagine Liam Rosenior doing the same thing.
John Terry thinks it was more than just Alonso
Of course, Alonso is not the be-all and end-all for Rogers. The England star has chosen Chelsea because it sees him team up with his best mate Cole Palmer, reuniting with a whole host of Man City academy gems.
The lure of being a regular starting option for Chelsea has also played its part for Rogers. Chelsea pitched the left-wing role to Rogers during talks, and the England star has bought it. He is going to start in Blue.
Bielsa’s Leeds system is perfect for Rogers and Palmer 🔥
The second back of four is not a midfield, but an attacking quartet.
But what is interesting is the financial aspect. Of course, a £117m move means the wages are going to be big, and John Terry thinks a big pay packet has convinced the former Middlesbrough to join Chelsea.
“But, listen, to be honest, if you’re him, you’d have probably gone Arsenal. So the numbers must have been pretty big. But I’m excited to have him. I think he’s a good player,” Terry said after Rogers’ arrival.
Rogers won’t be available for the trip to Australia and Asia but he will be active when Chelsea’s squad return to English football. His first professional game for Chelsea will come against Fulham on the 24th.
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