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Morgan Rogers discusses versatility, Cole Palmer partnership and embracing pressure at Chelsea
19th August, 2026 03:44 PM
Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer offered Chelsea supporters an encouraging glimpse of their attacking partnership during Saturday’s meeting with Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.
The pair started in similar advanced midfield positions behind Joao Pedro, although Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach allowed the three forwards to interchange positions and operate across different areas of the pitch.
That freedom was evident in Chelsea’s opening goal. While Rogers began from the left side of the attacking trio, he moved into a central position alongside Joao Pedro as Pedro Neto delivered his cross. After the Brazilian striker made contact with the ball, Rogers reacted quickly to finish from the loose ball and register his first goal for Chelsea.
The moment also highlighted the potential understanding between Rogers and Palmer, who have developed a close friendship away from the pitch.
Although the two players possess comparable attacking qualities and can occupy similar positions, Rogers believes their differences can make them an effective combination.
Cole Palmer partnership
“By helping each other. We have different qualities, different ways of playing the game and affecting games. Playing off each other and helping each other’s strengths and weaknesses can work,” he stated.
“We do a lot of things that are different. Ultimately, it’s about scoring and creating and linking the game. We do that in our own different ways.
“And even if it might be more of a game suited for one than the other, we can still have our impact. It’s about helping each other with the rest of the team, learning off each other and trying to get the best version of Chelsea as possible.”
Rogers’ willingness to adapt is also an important part of his game. During his time with Aston Villa, the 24-year-old operated as a number ten, central midfielder and wide player, demonstrating his ability to perform different tactical roles.
Expectations at Chelsea
He is prepared to continue doing whatever is required of him under Alonso at Chelsea.
“I can play in a number of positions and that’s probably a strength of mine,” says the 24-year-old.
“I can adapt and give managers a different outlook on different positions. I’ve always grown up being that way. Understanding the game and learning the game and enjoying it and loving it as much as I do, I never wanted to be bogged down to one position or one attribute. Being versatile helps me.”
Rogers insists his priority is contributing to the team’s overall success rather than concentrating solely on personal statistics.
“It’s a team game, it’s 11 players on the pitch, and whatever role I’m given and whatever the manager and other players want from me, I’m going to do to the best of my ability. I’m not a player that gets bogged down having to be the guy to score or assist,” he said.
“As long as I’m contributing and creating and providing or doing whatever’s necessary to score and to win, that’s all I care about.”
Rogers arrived at Chelsea as one of the most notable moves of the summer, bringing increased attention and expectations after his switch from Aston Villa.
However, the England international says the additional pressure is something he welcomes rather than fears.’Pressure brings excitement,’ he says. ‘I think if you’re not playing for anything, that excitement, that buzz, that feeling, isn’t there. To play with that pressure and that feeling is only going to help.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited. I let other people talk about stuff like that off the pitch.”
“I’m just going to show what I can do on the pitch and why I’m here and why I should be here, and how I can influence and help the team and impact games. That’s all I’m here to do,” he said.
With the new campaign approaching, Rogers will soon have the opportunity to demonstrate his versatility and attacking qualities in competitive action for Chelsea.
