Morgan Rogers fearless v Bayern Munich, Rio Ferdinand brands Aston Villa ace a ‘huge talent’
Rio Ferdinand branded Morgan Rogers the “best ball carrier in the Premier League” as he played the full 90 minutes for Aston Villa in their iconic win over Bayern Munich.
Rogers has been a first-choice attacking outlet for Unai Emery this season and got his long-awaited first goal of the season against Ipswich Town at the weekend, retaining his place against the German giants despite some doubts.
Ferdinand, speaking on TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage [2 October] before an historic 1-0 victory at Villa Park against Bayern, was full of praise for the 22-year-old.
“This guy, Morgan Rogers, I think has been the best ball carrier in the Premier League this year,” the Manchester United legend said.
“He created four chances on matchday one of the Champions League, didn’t get his finish, but this guy is a huge talent.
“He’s come from great stock out of Manchester City’s academy, and he’s got a hell of a career ahead of him.”
In the second half, Lucy Ward on TNT’s co-commentary added: “He’s terrific in duels, so strong.”
Aston Villa will always have dangerous threat with Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers has gained a great deal of trust from Emery to start ahead of the players he does each week, but like Jaden Philogene and the “subbed sub” Leon Bailey, the Bayern game was not quite suited to him as the hosts were dominated in possession.
In the grand scheme, it matters not as Villa nicked the win through Jhon Duran’s winner.
However, Rogers’ best attribute of carrying the ball into dangerous areas was utilised as much as Villa could, executing 71% of his seven dribble attempts [Fotmob], and he completed 79% of his passes on the night.
His style of play is exciting, fearless and therefore not risk-free – up against some of the world’s elite, he did lose the ball 12 times [Sofascore], but will tend to be spared for looking to make things happen and is part of the identity of the Villans’ attacking play.
Ward’s reference to Rogers’ strength in duels was tested by a statistic of winning 47% of his ground battles, though when up against opponents as decorated as Joshua Kimmich, is a mammoth challenge.
Only against Ipswich at the weekend – ironically when he finally netted his first goal of the season – has the former Man City product not played the full match, a signal of his stamina which is vital to Emery’s style.
The world is this man’s oyster, but patience is required.
In other Aston Villa news, Ian Darke slams the club over ticket pricing v Bayern.
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