Jamie Carragher believes Morgan Rogers was a “revelation” after signing for Chelsea, claiming the £117million the Blues paid Aston Villa for the England international proved a bargain.
Chelsea broke their transfer record in July when Rogers became the most expensive English player of all time, raising a few eyebrows. While no one has questioned Rodgers’ ability, the £117m figure has led some to question the Blues’ business.
Now, more than three months after his move to Stamford Bridge, the biggest compliment that can be paid to Rogers is that nobody is talking about his extortionate price tag. The 24-year-old scored 6 goals and 4 assists in 12 games for Chelsea in all competitions.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and more via our dedicated Facebook page
Rogers played a big part in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday afternoon. The former Aston Villa man scored a fine solo goal, albeit with some questionable defending on show, to send the Blues on their way against United and such a moment for the Chelsea striker prompted Carragher to include him in his Monday Night Football analysis.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “I think it was one of the signings in the summer, a bit like Elliot Anderson, where we all went ‘wow’. The figure, what was it, £117m?”
Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones then interjected: “Bargain!”, to which Carragher replied: “Yeah, it is now, isn’t it? He’s been absolutely fantastic for Chelsea and was obviously a big difference at the weekend.”
Carragher explained how Rogers scores from all kinds of positions: “He is [used in] inner left position. When we thought of Xabi Alonso as a coach, we are new with him in England, but he was desperate to bring him.
“He’s not a winger and he’s not a No.10. You think about Florian Wirtz and the role he played with Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen. It was about having someone in the left pocket.
“He hit it [Rogers] does, its effect. What’s really interesting is that a lot of shots are in the same position, a lot of goals, so you think he’s scoring a certain type of goal, but he’s not. Every goal he scores is different – and that just shows the quality of the player.”
Rogers is not completely satisfied with his level at the moment. Speaking to Chelsea’s media team after Saturday’s game, he explained the £117m signing: “I think I’m more clinical in front of goal. [is where he can improve]being more ruthless in and around the box was something I used to be a bit disappointed with myself as I would occasionally score a nice goal but not the easy ones. I’m trying to work on it here.
“I’m trying to improve on my last moves, so this is my biggest move. I’m a striker, so I’m trying to score, assist and create chances, and I want to keep improving. I’m not there yet, but it’s a good start.”