Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso believes the fine friendship that exists between Cole Palmer and summer arrival Morgan Rogers is also helping speed up their developing link-up on the field.
Both have caught the eye early this term, with Rogers grabbing 2 goals and 4 assists from his 5 appearances since his club-record £117 million move from Aston Villa, with Palmer managing 4 goals and an assist from his.
Their obvious bond was in evidence during Chelsea’s 6-3 comeback victory over Leeds in the Carabao Cup; both coming off the bench at half-time to aid a fightback, as Chelsea were 2 goals adrift with the pair entering the field of play, asPalmer scored twice whilst Rogers provided 3 assists, ironically poking fun at his teammate grabbing the man-of-the-match award:
“They already had a strong connection even before the season started, playing together,” noted Alonso, “and are both truly happy, to have the team to play with them, and with them as well.”
Indeed, Palmer and Rogers have known each other since their time together in the England and Manchester City youth ranks, with Alonso acknowledging Rogers’ adaptability and mentioning his understanding with Joao Pedro to strike success:
Still with Chelsea, however, is winger Pedro Neto, who has penned an astonishing six-year contract with the club until 2032, having joined from Wolves in the summer of 2024, and has netted 21 times to provide 19 assists in 108 appearances since, with his new deal reflecting this productivity:
