Aston Villa have got a young player who's 'better than Morgan Rogers' - ex-Villa scout
Johan Manzambi has enjoyed a better start at Aston Villa than Morgan Rogers did after his arrival from Middlesbrough.
That is according to former senior Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old, who arrived for around £50million in the summer to replace the England international, has already scored three goals and provided two assists in six games across all competitions.
Rogers joined Chelsea in a £117m deal and has got off to a superb start himself, directly contributing to eight goals in nine games this season so far.
The Villans made a enormous profit on the 24-year-old, who arrived from Middlesbrough in February 2024 in a deal worth up to £15m if all add-ons were met.
It is already thought likely that a similar chain of events may take place with Manzambi, although Unai Emery will hope to hang onto him for several years yet.
'You can't ask for more from Johan Manzambi'
Rogers was also just 21 when he joined Villa, but was coming from the Championship, rather than the Bundesliga.
His first Premier League goal would not come until two months after he had joined, when he found the net against Brentford.
It was in his first full season that Rogers exploded into life, establishing himself among England's most exciting young players.
"He's done well. He's really come in and filled Rogers' place," King told Football Insider when asked about Manzambi. "He's got three goals and two assists already. You know, you can't ask for more than that.
"I think that's a bit more than what Rogers produced in his first six games, he's been better than him. I'm very impressed with Manzambi. He's got great enthusiasm.
"He seems to bring a new look into Aston Villa's midfield. He gets himself forward, as he's shown. He can score goals. Very impressed. Very impressed with his first six or seven games."
Manzambi outperforming Morgan Rogers in certain metrics
Villa will be aware that Manzambi still has some way to go completely replace the presence of Rogers, but he has made a superb start.
The 21-year-old is even outperforming his predecessor in some Premier League metrics this season so far.
Manzambi is creating more chances, taking more shots, having more touches in the opposition box, winning more free-kicks and making more interceptions than Rogers per 90 this season.
The Chelsea comes out on top for recoveries, duels won, successful dribbles and distance covered, but Manzambi can be extremely happy with the start he has made.