Morgan Rogers has come a long way since his early days as a promising talent with raw potential.
At 22 years old, the Aston Villa star now sees himself as a complete player, a consistent presence on the pitch, and a genuine contender for a spot in England’s senior squad. His transformation into one of the Premier League’s standout players this season, under the guidance of Unai Emery, marks the moment he made the leap from “glimpses player” to a mainstay in the team.
Rogers can pinpoint the exact moment when he realized that he no longer wanted to be just another young talent with flashes of brilliance. It was a conversation with Michael Carrick, his former manager at Middlesbrough, that pushed Rogers to confront the difference between raw potential and true fulfillment of that potential. Carrick, a player who knew exactly what it took to reach the top, asked Rogers a pivotal question: What does it take to fulfill your potential and stand out as more than just a moments player?
This conversation sparked a significant shift in Rogers’ mindset. As he sat down with media at St George’s Park ahead of a potential England debut against Greece, he spoke about his evolution as a player. “You just know, you just feel more, more of a complete player,” Rogers explained. “I wanted to be the person that when you come to watch me play, you know what you’re going to get. Not just turning it on and off, but consistently delivering.”
Rogers’ resolve has been evident this season. His performances for Aston Villa have shown a player who’s ready to take the next step. Having started every Premier League and Champions League match this season, Rogers has firmly cemented himself as a key figure in Villa’s setup. Even Rogers admits that the level he’s reached has surpassed his own expectations. While he only received his call-up to the England squad after some dropouts, many believe he should have been included from the start.
The 22-year-old attributes much of his success to his relentless work ethic, which included hiring a private chef and training in extreme conditions in places like Miami and Las Vegas. But he’s also quick to acknowledge the role that manager Unai Emery and his Villa teammates have played in his growth. “Any player would say that trust from a manager is the most important thing,” Rogers said. “Emery threw me in the deep end last season when there were injuries, and that chance allowed me to shine and develop. He’s the perfect person for me. He pushes me every day, and so do my teammates.”
Emery’s trust and guidance have been crucial to Rogers’ development, and the midfielder is now one of Villa’s key players. Rogers, once uncertain of his place, now finds himself at the center of Villa’s plans. He credits Emery’s tough love and the team’s collective drive for making him the player he is today. “I wanted to progress, develop, and show what I’m about,” Rogers said, adding that the mentality shift this season has been transformative.
In many ways, Rogers’ journey mirrors that of other players who have learned under top-tier managers. But while he draws inspiration from figures like Carrick, who played a key role in his early days at Middlesbrough, it’s Emery who’s building the team around him now. “Emery demands and pushes me every day,” Rogers said, speaking about the importance of having a manager who believes in him. “He’s the perfect person for me.”
Looking forward, Rogers is focused on continuous improvement and learning from those around him. He’s not just aiming to be a part of the team but to be a consistent presence—one that can contribute to England’s cause as well. His ambition isn’t limited to playing for his club, but also for his country, with the dream of playing regularly for England and competing on the world stage. He is driven to prove he deserves his spot and to continue developing as a versatile player.
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Rogers’ versatility is another asset that sets him apart. Though he began his career as a winger, he’s shown his adaptability by excelling in various positions across the midfield and even as a striker. “I pride myself on being able to play in multiple positions,” Rogers said. “It’s something I feel sets me apart, being able to change my game as needed for the team.”
Having grown up in Birmingham, Rogers is proud to be following in the footsteps of other Brummies like Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish. He is quick to show pride in his roots, referring to Birmingham as “the best city in England” and joking that it’s why the city produces such great players. For Rogers, being part of the England squad is an achievement that goes beyond just playing for his country—it’s about representing his hometown.
The moment Rogers received his England call-up was a milestone in his career. It was a surreal moment, not just for him, but also for his parents, Deborah and Howard, who have supported him from day one. “It was a nice call to make,” Rogers said, describing how his family was overjoyed by the news. His parents have been with him throughout his journey, from driving him to games as a child to supporting him in his professional career. “I wouldn’t be the person or player I am if it wasn’t for them,” Rogers reflected.
As Rogers prepares for the possibility of making his senior debut, he can’t help but look back at the journey that brought him here. The excitement of playing with England’s top talents, and the chance to represent his country on the international stage, is a dream come true for the young midfielder. His standout memory of England as a fan was watching David Beckham’s iconic free-kick against Greece in 2001, even though Rogers was only six months old at the time.
Looking ahead, Rogers has set his sights on the 2026 World Cup, where he hopes to make his own lasting memories. “There’s nothing like the excitement of the nation coming together for major tournaments,” he said, reflecting on his childhood experiences. Now, with a potential World Cup berth on the horizon, Rogers is ready to test himself at the highest level and prove that he belongs.
For now, Morgan Rogers is focused on what lies ahead. His rise at Aston Villa, combined with his growing role in the England squad, shows that the 22-year-old has what it takes to thrive at the top level. With the right mindset, support, and determination, the sky is the limit for the young star.
