New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has praised Morgan Rogers as a “great signing” and believes the England international can help make the team more competitive. The Spaniard also expects Rogers to develop a strong understanding with Chelsea star Cole Palmer.

Rogers completed a high-profile move from Aston Villa last week in a deal worth £117 million, becoming the most expensive British player in football history.

Speaking ahead of his first game in charge, a pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers, Alonso expressed his excitement at bringing the 23-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

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

“We are delighted. It means a lot for everyone.”

The signing highlights Chelsea’s ambition after a disappointing Premier League campaign that saw them finish 10th and miss out on European football.

Alonso now faces the challenge of finding the right balance in attack, with Rogers joining a talented group that includes Palmer, Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian and fellow new arrival Geovany Quenda. The Chelsea boss will need to find a system that allows his attacking options to thrive together.

Alonso revealed that he already has a clear vision for how Rogers can operate alongside Palmer, believing the two attacking players can form a strong partnership. The Chelsea manager highlighted their similar qualities and close friendship as factors that could help them connect on the pitch.

“I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well,” Alonso said when discussing Rogers’ role alongside Palmer.

The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach stressed the importance of finding the right balance within the team, combining creative players with those who provide structure and stability.

“You need to have a good mix — players who bring stability and players who can play with more freedom,” Alonso explained.

“If we get that balance right and put those special players in the right positions, with good control, I think we can become more competitive both with the ball and without it.”

Chelsea had reportedly been tracking Rogers for around two years before securing his signature, beating competition from Arsenal after the Gunners decided not to meet Aston Villa’s huge asking price.

The £117 million transfer also broke the previous record fee for a British player, which had been set earlier in the month when Manchester City signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.

Alonso also highlighted Rogers’ versatility as one of his biggest strengths, explaining that the England international can operate in several attacking roles.

“I think one of his best qualities is that he’s flexible,” Alonso said of Rogers, who was not included in Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia after helping England secure a third-place finish at the World Cup.

The Chelsea boss believes Rogers can be effective in central attacking areas, particularly in the space behind the striker, while also having the ability to play out wide.

“I think he can play in that pocket position, close to the striker, close to the turn, but he has also played on the right. I think more coming from the left,” Alonso added.

Alonso explained that Rogers will be used in areas where he feels most comfortable and can express himself naturally.

“We will play him where he feels he is enjoying his game, where he feels his flow. I’m sure he will have good connections with the players around him,” he said.

The Spaniard believes developing chemistry between Chelsea’s attacking players will be crucial to improving the team’s overall quality.

“If we get those connections right, those little associations where they look for each other and connect well, I think it will be a great step forward in the quality of our game,” Alonso said.

Chelsea will continue their pre-season preparations with a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney on Saturday before travelling to Hong Kong, where they are scheduled to face Juventus on August 5.