Xabi Alonso praises Morgan Rogers after Chelsea’s 5-1 win

Xabi Alonso praised Morgan Rogers after Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Bournemouth, in which the midfielder scored his fourth goal for the club. The 24-year-old had made a strong start to life at Stamford Bridge after joining from Aston Villa during the summer. He had already scored against Fulham on the opening weekend, then found the net against Arsenal, Hull City and Bournemouth. He has also provided four assists in eight appearances.

Alonso believes those performances show the qualities that made Rogers an attractive signing. The Chelsea manager describes him as a modern player able to make an impact in several areas of the game. The team’s win over Bournemouth also saw Chelsea turn attacking pressure into goals, with Rogers among those who contributed.

“No, his form isn’t a surprise: he is young, fresh, strong and quick — a very complete modern footballer,” Alonso said after the Bournemouth victory. He also underlined the midfielder’s availability: “His availability is also very high, and this is very important.” That consistency stands out given the workload Rogers has carried over the past year.

Since the start of last season, he has played more than 70 matches for club and country. His involvement with England at the summer World Cup shortened his pre-season before he joined Chelsea’s preparations. His consistent availability has meant Alonso can call on him often, and the relationships he has built with his teammates have eased his adjustment to a new environment. Looking ahead, his fitness gives the manager greater flexibility, and his early performances suggest room for further improvement.