Micah Richards says what is actually ‘strange’ about Morgan Rogers – ‘he’s so different’
Form is temporary, but class is permanent, and that is exactly what Morgan Rogers has proved in recent weeks.
After five Premier League games without an attacking return, Rogers assisted during Aston Villa’s 3-1 win over Fulham at the end of September, and then grabbed another in the 2-1 victory over Burnley at Villa Park.
The 23-year-old then demonstrated exactly why he’s one of the division’s best attacking midfielders with a spectacular strike in Villa’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday, October 19.
It was Rogers’ first goal of the season at club level after scoring in England’s 3-0 win over Wales, and the former Middlesbrough playmaker is hoping to build on that performance.
Micah Richards wowed by Morgan Rogers
Jamie Redknapp was wowed by Rogers against Tottenham, and he wasn’t the only pundit to heap praise on the youngster.
Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards said it’s ‘strange’ watching Villa’s No.27 as he’s so ‘different’ to any other player in the Premier League.
| Morgan Rogers stats vs Tottenham |
| 90 minutes played |
| 1 goal |
| 2 successful dribbles |
| 3 ground duels won |
| 4 recoveries |
| 1 shot |
“What a player he is,” Richards said. It’s strange that watching him, he’s so different to anything that’s in the league.
“And I know we’ve mentioned he can hold the ball and turn in midfield and he sort of uses his body to turn with the ball and keeps it safe and all that sort of stuff.
“But he’s got so much energy also. So if you want to press, he’s perfect, but he can also shoot. But also, I wouldn’t say he’s a [Phil] Foden where he can see a pass at that level, but he can still thread him through at the same time, you know.”
Rogers possesses a unique skillset for an attacking midfielder, combining power and precision to achieve devastating results.
Against Tottenham, the Englishman was unplayable at times, and Villa will feel lucky to have him after several clubs tried to prise him away.
Aston Villa in talks to give Rogers new contract
Football Insider revealed in August that Chelsea were interested in Rogers, although Aston Villa were demanding more than £80million.
Emery wants to keep his prized asset for the long-term, and fortunately, Villa have entered contract talks with Rogers alongside John McGinn, Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans.
This will be music to the ears of supporters, who will want the core of their squad to remain at the club and continue the success being built by Emery.
A long-term deal for Rogers should shut down any chance of him leaving in January or beyond, and that is news everyone wants to hear.