Morgan Rogers apology issued by pundit over previous comments on Aston Villa star
Don Goodman has accepted that he got it totally wrong when questioning Aston Villa and their decision to sign Morgan Rogers in January.
Rogers has been a revelation for the Villans since arriving from Middlesbrough eight months ago in a deal rising to £16million [Sky Sports, 1 February].
Speaking at the time, Goodman said he was “surprised” to see Villa move for the Englishman, especially given the fee quoted.
However, speaking to Villa News, the Sky Sports pundit has admitted he has been proved wrong by Rogers this year.
“I think the first thing I need to do is hold my hands up because he’s surprised me immensely,” Goodman said. “I never saw him doing what he’s done in breaking into the first team and having a big influence on games.
“When he was at Middlesbrough, I didn’t see him making that step up so quickly. I’m absolutely thrilled to be proved wrong by Morgan, who has become a key player very quickly.
“I always wondered about his decision-making and whether he dribbled when he should passed and what not.
“He’s always had the ability, but it’s all well and good having the ability – what separates the top players from the rest is decision-making.
“His ball carrying is second to none, he’s strong, he’s dynamic and he’s having a real influence at Aston Villa. I for one am really pleased.”
Morgan Rogers now one of best in Premier League
Goodman, in fairness, was not alone in raising an eyebrow when Villa completed the signing of Rogers earlier this year.
This was a player that looked half-decent in the Championship, but he was hardly a household name at the time.
The youngster has only gone from strength to strength under Unai Emery, earning praise in pretty much every Villa game this season.
While he has yet to score or assist, he has been superb in terms of his all-round game, not least in the 3-0 Champions League win over Young Boys on Tuesday (17 September) when hailed as “outstanding”.
It goes to show that, for all the links with superstar names in this golden era for the Villans, the club can still find an absolute bargain.
In other Aston Villa news, another player dazzled with what he did in Bern.
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