Why Rogers and Palmer will thrive together in Alonso's Chelsea

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Why Rogers and Palmer will thrive together in Alonso's ChelseaImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Good friends Palmer (left) and Rogers are now team-matesByFootball tactics correspondentMorgan Rogers was quick to mention one of his closest friends, Cole Palmer, when he signed for Chelsea from Aston Villa."We've been speaking about this for a while - that we would always love to play together," said the £117m attacking midfielder."He's been non-stop ringing my phone, texting me, and I can't wait. It's something I'm really excited about."Both men might be keen to play together... but can new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso find the system to accommodate two such similar profiles?We take a closer look at Rogers' skillset and assess how Alonso might set up his side this season.What is Rogers' style of play?It is difficult to clearly define Rogers by a fixed position.As with all players, getting the best from them means appreciating the wider role they are capable of.

Villa often spent long periods without the ball before attacking into large areas of space at pace.This is a style of play that suits Rogers, who combines impressive ball-striking with standout athleticism.Last season, he generally played on the left of a 4-2-3-1, narrowing in from the wing and leaving the left-back to provide the width.From here he often opted to curl the ball into the far post with his stronger right foot, but could just as easily drag his shot inside the near post at the last moment.Image caption, Although Rogers often defended as a wide midfielder in a 4-4-2 under Emery, he would look to get into positions such as this one to shoot fromOut of possession, Rogers usually defended as a left midfielder in Emery's 4-4-2 but is capable of pressing in the front two alongside a traditional number nine.His positional versatility allows him to play as a narrow winger on both the left and right side of attack, before making runs akin to a centre-forward.He consistently injects pace into his team's attack with his direct nature both with and without the ball.How will Rogers fit in at Chelsea?Alonso's system has overarching principles, with the Spaniard seeking to dominate the ball and set up attacks in the opponent's half for long periods. Leverkusen initially tried to play out against Atalanta's intense press but as the game progressed, Alonso encouraged his team to play longHow can Rogers and Palmer work together?Understanding Alonso's set-up can help to explain how Rogers and Palmer could thrive together.Irrespective of whether the Spaniard sets Chelsea up in a back four or a five, his team will move in the same shape in attacking possession, namely 3-2-2-3 or 3-2-5.Image caption, Alonso's Leverkusen in possession usually had a back three, a narrow midfield two, and a front five encouraged to take turns and drop deep to support players on the ball.

Rogers' combination play plus his physicality make him a good fit for this plan and his ability to repeatedly make runs in behind is something Palmer will seek to exploit.Image caption, During Alonso's spell at Real Madrid we can see five players across the attacking line despite the team starting with a back four. This is something Rogers can do wellA solution to many problems In Alonso's preferred 3-2-2-3 when in possession, Rogers in the left number 10 position and Palmer in the right number 10 position is likely to work best.To get them in these areas in attack, Alonso can start with them in those positions, ahead of a back five using wing-backs either side of them.