Palmer & Foden Shine, but Rogers ‘Must Start’ at World Cup

Rogers Shines as Villa Maintains Winning Streak

In a weekend where Phil Foden and Cole Palmer both played key roles in Manchester City’s and Chelsea’s crucial Premier League wins, Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa demonstrated why he is a strong contender for the number 10 spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England team.

Aston Villa’s impressive eight-match winning streak was under threat during the first half of their match against struggling West Ham, who managed to take a 2-1 lead into halftime against a Villa side that looked fatigued after their Europa League triumph in Basel.

However, the tides turned in the second half when Rogers took charge. The 23-year-old equalized just five minutes into the period by capitalizing on a defensive lapse from West Ham, scoring from close range after Youri Tielemans’ low cross was not cleared effectively.

As the match drew closer to the final whistle, Rogers scored again with a stunning long-range shot that soared into the top right corner of Alphonse Areola’s net, securing a ninth consecutive victory for Unai Emery’s men, now in third place.

This outstanding performance has solidified Rogers’ position as England’s preferred number 10 for the upcoming World Cup, despite facing stiff competition from Foden, Palmer, and Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid.

Theo Walcott, former England forward and current pundit on Match of the Day, stated, “He scored two magnificent goals and is not just going to make the squad; he’s a sure starter for the World Cup—100%. He contributes in many ways beyond just scoring.”

An Insightful Player on the Pitch

As noted by Walcott, Rogers showcased more than just his scoring ability during the thrilling 3-2 victory. He recorded five of Villa’s seven shots and enjoyed more touches inside West Ham’s box than any other player on the field. Moreover, he completed over 90% of his passes in the attacking third, the highest completion rate among Villa’s players.

“He is an incredibly intelligent player,” Walcott stated. “He’s adept at identifying weaknesses in the opposing team’s structure. His remarkable second goal served as an example of his capabilities. Similar to how legends like Cristiano Ronaldo can affect a game when given time, Rogers demonstrated that skill.”

Reflecting on his performance, Rogers expressed confidence, noting that he had secured eight league goals last season and was already halfway to that mark this campaign. “I’m scoring frequently, and if I can help the team win, that’s all that matters to me. We’re on a great run, and I’m eager to see where it leads us,” he remarked.

Foden in Form, Aiming Higher

Phil Foden has also found his rhythm recently. After facing challenges last season due to injuries, the 25-year-old netted his 10th goal during Manchester City’s hard-fought win at Crystal Palace, contributing six goals in his last five games as City pushes to catch league leaders Arsenal.

Despite showing consistent scoring form, Foden lost possession 16 times during the match, prompting manager Pep Guardiola to suggest he needed to manage his pace better. Foden himself acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “I was trying to do too much. In situations like the Palace game, relaxation and composure are key.”

Foden has scored eight league goals from outside the box this season, ranking him second in Europe’s top leagues, only behind Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid.

Palmer’s Resurgence

Cole Palmer made a significant impact for Chelsea, scoring in his return to action against Everton after a lengthy injury hiatus. The 23-year-old exhibited signs of his previous form, showing he hasn’t lost his touch despite dealing with injuries.

His goal against Everton marked a positive step after subpar performances earlier in the season. Pundit Stephen Warnock praised Palmer, saying, “His ability is incredible. I place him among the world’s top players.”

While Palmer shines, Jude Bellingham, who has had a less consistent spell with Real Madrid, faces pressure to reclaim his starting position in the England squad, particularly following a less-than-ideal response to a recent substitution.

Conclusion

As the World Cup approaches, the battle for starting positions intensifies. With the likes of Rogers, Foden, and Palmer demonstrating their abilities on both club and international stages, it remains clear that the competition is fierce but healthy, especially as they influence their teams’ successes in the Premier League.