Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has expressed confidence that £117 million summer signing Morgan Rogers can thrive alongside Cole Palmer, revealing he already has a tactical blueprint to get the best from their attacking combination.

Alonso shared his thinking ahead of Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, speaking via the club's official website while the squad continues their tour of Sydney.

A friendship built on the pitch

Rogers and Palmer share a bond that stretches back more than a decade — the two have been close friends since they were 14, having come through England youth teams and the Manchester City academy together. Their similar playing styles could prove an advantage as Alonso looks to forge a cohesive attacking unit.

The 24-year-old Rogers is currently on holiday following England's World Cup campaign and is yet to join the rest of the squad for pre-season, but Alonso is already mapping out how his new forward fits into Chelsea's system.

Alonso outlines his vision

"I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well," Alonso said when asked how Rogers could operate alongside Palmer.

The Chelsea manager stressed that getting the balance of the squad right would be key to unlocking the potential of his most creative players.

"You need to have a good mix, good stability players, and players that can play with more freedom. And if we get that balance right, and we get those special players in the right positions, with good control, I think that we will be more competitive with the ball and against the ball."

With Palmer already established as one of the Premier League's most dangerous attackers, the prospect of Rogers — a direct, dynamic winger — operating in tandem with him will excite Chelsea supporters heading into the new season.