Paul Merson has questioned Chelsea’s decision to spend £117m on Morgan Rogers, claiming Xabi Alonso already has two leading players for his preferred position.
Chelsea have agreed a British-record fee with Aston Villa for the England international, who is expected to sign a six-year contract with the option of another season.
However, Merson believes the Blues have prioritised an area already containing Cole Palmer and João Pedro.
Writing in his latest Sky Sports column, the former Arsenal midfielder described the fee as “crazy money” and questioned where Rogers will play at Stamford Bridge.
Merson questions where Rogers fits
Merson views Rogers as a number ten rather than a natural winger.
The 23-year-old produced his best football for Villa when carrying possession through central areas and attacking space between midfield and defence.
Palmer has also been most influential when operating behind the striker. Merson believes moving either player permanently to the right could reduce their impact.
João Pedro creates another selection decision. The Brazilian can lead the attack, but he also prefers dropping away from the centre-backs and becoming involved in Chelsea’s build-up play.
Those concerns are understandable. Chelsea are committing a club-record fee to a player whose strongest position overlaps with their leading creator.
However, Alonso is unlikely to view Rogers, Palmer and João Pedro as three players competing for one place.
Alonso can create roles for Rogers and Palmer
Alonso regularly used two attacking midfielders behind a central striker at Bayer Leverkusen.
A similar structure could place Rogers on the left and Palmer on the right, with João Pedro or Liam Delap leading the attack. Rogers would then receive opportunities to drive inside without being restricted to the touchline.
Sky Sports’ initial analysis of Chelsea’s agreement described him as a wide number ten who could fill the opening on the left side of Alonso’s attack.
Palmer would remain close to goal and retain the freedom to move centrally. Rogers could provide the powerful running Chelsea often lacked when opponents disrupted their passing rhythm.
ReadChelsea’s account of Chelsea’s rapid move to beat Arsenal to Rogers reported that Alonso presented the player with a clear tactical plan.
Rogers choosing Chelsea without European football suggests his intended role formed an important part of those discussions.
£117m fee leaves little room for patience
The tactical fit can work, but the fee places immediate pressure on Rogers.
He scored 14 goals and supplied 11 assists for Villa last season. Chelsea will expect similar production from his first campaign rather than treating him as a long-term development signing.
Merson also raised doubts about how Rogers will perform against opponents who defend deep at Stamford Bridge. Much of his best work has arrived in open matches where he can carry the ball over long distances.
Alonso must help him become more effective in crowded areas. Quick combinations with Palmer, aggressive movement beyond the striker and improved decision-making around the penalty area will be important.
Rogers will also need to adapt to the scrutiny attached to becoming Britain’s most expensive player. Every quiet performance will bring renewed discussion of the fee.
Chelsea have already received another warning over the £117m valuation, with Zlatan Ibrahimović questioning whether Rogers has produced enough to justify the cost.
Merson’s criticism should not be dismissed. Chelsea have spent an enormous amount on a player entering an attack already containing Palmer, João Pedro and Estêvão.
Yet the deal does not automatically leave Rogers without a position. Alonso has a system capable of placing him alongside Palmer rather than forcing the pair to compete.
Chelsea now need the manager’s tactical plan to justify a record-breaking investment.
