Rogers “Only Getting Better” – Will He Win England Battle?
Aston Villa’s Rising Star
In the wake of England’s recent victory over Wales, manager Thomas Tuchel might not have explicitly named Morgan Rogers, but his comments on selecting players based on current performance rather than past reputation seemed to hint at the Aston Villa midfielder. Rogers, 23, has been surplus to competition and has started in four out of the last five matches for the national team.
His impressive contributions were highlighted during a recent match against Leeds, where he scored two goals, reinforcing his value over bigger names like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. The crucial question remains: will Rogers secure the England number 10 role leading into the World Cup next summer?
“His season has been fantastic”
Initially, Rogers, like his club Aston Villa, faced challenges at the beginning of the Premier League season. Prior to the match at Elland Road, he had netted just once in eleven outings, but his recent performances have significantly improved. The team has managed to secure six wins in their last seven league matches, with Rogers now contributing three goals and two assists during this period.
Unai Emery, the Villa manager, commented on Rogers’ outstanding form:
He has been exceptional, even before scoring,
he stated.
His focus on executing our game plan has never wavered. Scoring is vital, but he’s consistently delivering high-quality performances.
Rogers has demonstrated growth, especially in honing his movements in the attacking third, a point Emery emphasized. Rogers shared,
The manager constantly urges me to position myself in the box, where goals happen. I felt fortunate to get a touch on the ball for my first goal.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Statistically, Rogers matches up favorably against Foden, Bellingham, and Cole Palmer — his competitors for the England attacking midfield spot. His goal tally trails Foden by just one, and he lags slightly behind Bellingham’s impressive count at Real Madrid. However, Rogers surpasses them with 16 assists, 127 successful dribbles, and 307 touches inside the opponent’s penalty area.
In addition, he recently showcased his versatility by scoring his first free-kick for Villa, which was a remarkable dipping shot that found the top corner of the net.
I’m thrilled it went in. I aimed to emulate Emi [Buendia], and it worked out,
Rogers remarked.
“Rogers” Individual Brilliance Won Villa the Game
Despite Leeds taking the lead thanks to Lukas Nmecha’s goal following a mistake by goalkeeper Emi Martinez, Rogers played a pivotal role in Villa’s comeback. He equalized shortly after halftime and scored the winning goal with a stunning free-kick around fifteen minutes from the end.
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy praised Rogers, suggesting that his “individual brilliance” was vital in securing the win. Murphy noted,
Today, Rogers displayed moments of high caliber that turned the match around.
He recognized the quality in Rogers’ game, reflecting on how the young midfielder’s adaptability sets him apart:
Rogers can play in various roles and is a significant asset due to his athleticism and power.
Rogers’ current trajectory makes him a key figure for Aston Villa and a player to watch as the World Cup approaches.