Alonso has ‘plan’ for playing Rogers with Palmer

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he has a “plan” to play club record £117m signing Morgan Rogers alongside Cole Palmer – and believes the England international will make an “instant impact”.

The midfielder became the most expensive British player of all-time when he moved from Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge last week.

The 24-year-old is on holiday after playing for England at the World Cup, while Chelsea have begun their pre-season tour in Sydney.

“In that position we needed an important player and I’m sure there were not many better options than Morgan Rogers,” Alonso said.

“You need players who can have that almost instant impact and I’m sure Morgan won’t need much time to adapt to the club, the system and his team-mates,” Alonso said.

“That was the idea, to get a top player, and Morgan is one of them.”

Rogers has signed a six-year contract with Chelsea, with an option for a further year.

Alonso insisted he will be ready, despite not yet taking part in pre-season training, and believes he will be compatible with fellow England international Palmer.

The pair describe each other as being among their “best friends in football”, with Rogers saying they would love to play together.

“I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well,” Alonso said of the pair.

“We need to have a good mix. If we get that balance right and those special players in the right positions, with good control, then we will be more competitive with and without the ball.”