I watched Morgan Rogers for England vs Wales, here’s what’s going wrong at Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers has failed to live up to expectations this season at Aston Villa.
Rogers won the PFA Young Player of the Year award last campaign after becoming a key player and favourite of Unai Emery.
There were high hopes that the 23-year-old would replicate that output moving forward, but Rogers has instead come under fire at Villa in recent weeks.
Rogers faced ironic cheers from Villa fans against Bologna after finally completing a pass in what was yet another terrible performance.
The attacking midfielder still earned an England call-up from Thomas Tuchel, and his performance against Wales proved exactly what is going wrong for Rogers in B6.
Morgan Rogers was electric for England vs Wales
Birmingham City favourite Jude Bellingham is once again absent from the Three Lions squad, affording the Villa star a chance to start at Wembley.
Rogers featured alongside Elliott Anderson and Declan Rice in a dominant midfield trio up against a struggling Wales side.
The ex-West Brom youngster was able to get on the ball, and I think he made a genuine difference throughout his 70-minute showing in the capital.
Villa’s number 27 got on the scoresheet and hit the bar with two of his three shots while also maintaining a 100 per cent dribble success.
I’m yet to see this sort of positive output in the Midlands this season, but it was on display for his nation under Tuchel.
Rogers also won three duels and contributed two defensive actions as he showcased exactly how good he can be.
I’ve been left frustrated by his international showings compared to those with Villa, but it was the space he was afforded that I think allowed him to flourish against the Dragons.
Rogers afforded more space vs Wales compared to at Aston Villa
I have noticed that the attacker is constantly doubled up on or even just grabbed and held by the opposition this season.
Feyenoord did this in the Europa League win away in Rotterdam as Oussama Targhalline took hold of Rogers as he looked to drive forward in trademark fashion.
This is just one example, but the fact that the Englishman was then booked for his annoyed reaction sums up how this is impacting his game.
It was a surprise to me that Wales didn’t follow suit and ultimately afforded Rogers time to make things happen in an England shirt.
Before Ollie Watkins missed a golden chance, the Villa star picked up the ball on the edge of the box in between five Wales defenders.
In the Premier League, it has not been easy to find this space, but at Wembley, he was able to flourish and prove his quality.
The former Manchester City talent did this on multiple occasions and did so to open himself up to then hit the crossbar with a curling effort.
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing as Craig Bellamy’s side gave Rogers the freedom of the capital inside the penalty area.
I’m hopeful that the attacking midfielder will be able to replicate these sorts of opportunities when he returns to club action.
Rogers was excellent against Wales, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching his performance.
However, he must maintain that level of play, or Emery may have to drop him at some point.
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