Sport
England is blessed with several elite number 10s and Morgan Rogers might be the pick of the bunch
Unai Emery might not have much patience for questions about Aston Villa’s Premier League title credentials, but Morgan Rogers’ performances this season are pushing the Villa Park outfit closer and closer to the top of the table. The England number 10 is turning Villa into contenders through his sheer will power and natural talent.
Of course, Aston Villa have more than just Rogers playing at a high level right now. Youri Tielemens is thriving in a more advanced role this season. John McGinn has rediscovered his form after a slump earlier this year, so too has Ollie Watkins who has reasserted himself as Emery’s first-choice centre forward.
No Villa player, however, is as influential at this moment in time as Rogers. The 23-year-old was the best player on the pitch at the London Stadium on Sunday, bagging a brace in a 3-2 comeback win over West Ham. Rogers’ second goal, the goal that won the match, was one of the best strikes of the season so far.
In 16 Premier League appearances this season, Rogers has registered five goals and three assists for an Aston Villa side that has surged up the table on a run of 10 wins in 11 games. He is Villa’s top scorer this season and their primary difference-maker. The player who wins more matches for them than anyone else.
England is currently blessed with several elite level attacking midfielders. Cole Palmer is back from injury and also found the back of the net over the weekend, scoring in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton. Phil Foden registered a goal of his own in a 3-0 away win for Manchester City against Crystal Palace.
Jude Bellingham is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, although the Real Madrid Galactico could operate in a deeper role at next summer’s World Cup. Then there’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, both of whom are capable of producing something special out of nothing to decide a game.
Right now, though, Rogers might be the pick of the bench. The 23-year-old featured in 10 games for the national team in 2025 and is clearly seen by Thomas Tuchel as a starting figure. Rogers could give England a different dimension with his eye for a goal and natural ability to make something happen in the final third.
For the time being, Rogers is focused on maintaining Aston Villa’s current momentum. Emery has emboldened the 23-year-old as the player to make something happen for his side. There will be more moments like the ones Rogers produced against West Ham on Sunday over the course of the campaign.
“For me, the most important thing is how he is working, tactically, offensively and defensively and now he is scoring goals,” said Emery about Rogers, highlighting his all-round contribution for Villa. “He is always doing his work with huge commitment. He is growing up so quickly and performing better because physically, he is strong and his mentality is huge.”
Aston Villa are still a long way from truly challenging for the Premier League title. While Emery’s team are currently on an incredible run of form and are capable of overcoming any opponent on their day, Villa’s relative lack of depth could end up costing them between now and the end of the season, especially with the Europa League also a target.
With Rogers in such sensational form, though, anything is possible. The 23-year-old is currently one of the most exciting players in the Premier League and could finish his campaign by starring for England at the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel is a fan, and with very good reason.
