‘Massive Future’ – Ian Darke blown away by Aston Villa rising star after what he’s seen
‘Massive Future’ – Ian Darke blown away by Aston Villa rising star after what he’s seen
Aston Villa have a star with a “massive future” for England in Morgan Rogers, according to Ian Darke.
Rogers, 22, has racked up 17 goal contributions so far this season in all competitions, staking a real claim for the national team under Thomas Tuchel, who undertakes his first games next month.
The Villans surpassed the challenge of Tottenham in the FA Cup and remain in the Champions League at the last 16 stage, discovering their knockout opponents next week (21 February).
Rogers back to his best after ‘lull’
TV commentator Darke, speaking exclusively to Villa News, says Rogers has overcome a “lull” to return to some of his early-season form.
The attacking midfielder signed a new deal back in November, a bumper contract to keep him at Villa Park until 2030.
While he was underwhelming in the defeat by Wolves – like the majority of his teammates – Rogers was outstanding either side of that all-Midlands showdown with his hat-trick against Celtic and goal and assist against Spurs.
His England debut came last November and the two caps he began with there are expected to be the first of many, especially with more senior pros anticipated to be phased out after the 2026 World Cup.
“Rogers started the season like a house on fire, had a bit of a lull as I understand it, but he’s obviously back in form now,” Darke said.
“I love the way he runs and engages defenders from that number 10 position, and it gives Villa a real dynamism.
“He offers a massive future for his club and for England as well.”
Aston Villa fighting on three fronts
Aston Villa are in a fantastic shape with three months or so remaining of the campaign, fighting in three separate competitions.
Unai Emery’s men sit eighth in the Premier League which may sound a heavy drop from the top four feat of last year, but five English clubs are set to compete in the Champions League next season and they are four points adrift of fifth spot.
The home draw in the FA Cup against Cardiff City (1 March) provides a convincing gateway to reach the quarter-finals, a huge potential silverware pursuit for the Villans.
Rogers has been a key cog in that machine and Emery appears to be adding to an established system with a glittering array of talent such as Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan deals, covering their wages through the lucrative fee earned from the Jhon Duran sale.
While Duran was also tied down to a similar deal to Rogers – meaning there is certainly no guarantee the Three Lions star will remain for the next five-and-a-half years – it massively boosts Villa’s interests just as it has done by letting their striker depart for the Saudi Pro League.
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