Versatile Rogers Aims to Showcase Talent for Villa and England

“One of a Kind,” Says Rogers

Morgan Rogers is defying classification in his playing style. While the Aston Villa star is discussing his adaptability on the field, his self-assurance speaks volumes about his abilities. The 23-year-old has emerged as Villa’s leading scorer this season, contributing significantly to their unexpected title challenge in the Premier League.

Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Villa also currently occupies the third spot in their Europa League group, having claimed victory in five out of six matches, preparing for an upcoming clash with Fenerbahce.

Rogers’ impressive performances have earned him a selection over Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham for the England national team, with manager Thomas Tuchel clearly appreciating his unique skill set.

Despite stiff competition for a position in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, Rogers believes he possesses a distinct advantage.

“I see myself as different from others in my position. I can play various roles on the pitch,” he shared. “I can take on the responsibilities of a number 10, wing, or striker, depending on what my team needs.”

Key Player for the Three Lions

Rogers is poised to play a significant role in Tuchel’s squad, who will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in the group phase of the tournament in the USA.

In a pivotal match against Wales in October, Rogers made his senior international debut and scored his first goal—an occasion that coincided with Bellingham being omitted from the squad. Tuchel indicated that altering the team’s formation to accommodate Bellingham was not ideal, but both players’ capabilities could complement each other on the field, emphasizing the necessity of both for World Cup success.

“When you grow up dreaming of representing your country, participating in the World Cup is the ultimate goal. I’m thrilled to be in contention,” Rogers expressed during an interview. “I strive to stay focused on my performance each week and see where it leads me.”

Career Development and Inspirations

Rogers made his switch to Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024 for a reported fee of £16 million, with all transfer clauses now activated. After a brief tenure at Riverside Stadium, he had previously played under Manchester City but did not make a senior appearance. His earlier career included loans at Lincoln, Bournemouth, and Blackpool.

Reflecting on his formative years, Rogers revealed that watching Cristiano Ronaldo greatly influenced his perspective on football. He admires players who display a bold attitude on the pitch and emphasizes the importance of persistence.

In terms of performance statistics, Rogers leads Villa in goalscoring attempts, having taken 45 shots this season, significantly exceeding his expected goal tally.

Recently, however, he acknowledged a challenging start to the season, which led to some frustrated reactions from Villa supporters. The first five league games were particularly tough, but he credits Emery for helping him regain his form.

“Looking back, I realize how adept he is. There were moments during matches where I thought I might be substituted due to poor performance,” said Rogers, who recently reached 100 appearances for Villa. “Emery’s support helped shift my mindset, showcasing the importance of resilience and persistence.”

Villa’s Squad Challenges Ahead

While Rogers continues to shine, Aston Villa is also facing challenges with injuries among key players. As these issues develop, the whole team dynamic will be tested as they aim for both domestic and European success.

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