Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has said he believes the close friendship between Cole Palmer and summer signing Morgan Rogers is helping accelerate their blossoming on-field partnership.
The chemistry between the pair was captured following the Blues' midweek 6-3 Carabao Cup comeback win over Leeds when a bemused Rogers questioned Palmer being named man of the match ahead of him.
Rogers has contributed two goals and four assists in five appearances following his club-record £117 million ($158m) transfer from Aston Villa.
Palmer has already scored four times and registered one assist this term as part of an exciting front three spearheaded by striker João Pedro.
"For me, it's good that they both feel entitled to this award," Alonso said of the light-hearted dispute, ahead of Saturday's Premier League game at home to Hull City. "For sure, they are both enjoying themselves playing with the team, playing with each other.
"They enjoy when the other one makes good things for the team, and we were expecting that, but so happy that it is happening and that early days we have a good partnership there.
"As well with João linking with them, it's a strength that we have."
Palmer and Rogers, both 24, were formerly teammates in England and Manchester City's youth teams.
They came on as half-time substitutes against Leeds with Chelsea trailing 2-0. Palmer scored twice, including a penalty, and Rogers was credited with three assists -- but claimed a fourth -- to inspire the fightback.
Asked how beneficial their off-field relationship is, Alonso said: "I would say a lot because even before playing together, they were so connected.
"We were following this connection for a few weeks before the transfer did happen, and Cole was very influential. He played an important role, Morgan as well, the club as well.
"We are happy that this has come to where it is right now.
"[Rogers] has adapted quite well, very quick. He's feeling great, he's enjoying his game, his football, his connection with the team."
Newly-promoted Hull travel to Stamford Bridge sitting third, a point and a place above Chelsea, after beginning the campaign with two wins and a draw without conceding.
Tigers head coach Sergej Jakirovic joked the best way to stop Chelsea's free-flowing attack is "to kick them."
"We face tomorrow's game with the same respect we did last week against Arsenal," said Alonso, whose side lost 2-1 to the champions at the Emirates Stadium.
"Hull will be hard to beat. They have their weapons as well, they have the belief, the coach is doing a great job, so it's going to be hard and we'll have to be at our best to beat Hull."
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Meanwhile, Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has signed a new six-year contract until 2032.
The Portugal international, 26, has registered 21 goals and 19 assists in 108 appearances since joining from Wolves in 2024.
"I have had some good moments here as a group and as an individual, and now I want to have more of those moments," he told the club website.
"I'm really excited because I think we can achieve a lot of things together."
