Aston Villa star turned into prime Lionel Messi vs West Ham as Theo Walcott hails ‘fantastic’ show
Theo Walcott was blown away by what he saw as Aston Villa secured victory over West Ham on Sunday.
Villa came from behind twice to win 2-1 against West Ham after yet another turbulent away clash for Unai Emery’s men.
The Villans did well for the most part, especially with Emi Martinez and Pau Torres missing out through injury for Villa at the London Stadium.
Morgan Rogers bagged a brace at West Ham to make sure all three points came home to Villa Park and made it nine wins from nine in all competitions.
Rogers has been singled out by Walcott for his actions, who has likened the claret and blue star to Lionel Messi.
Theo Walcott blown away by Morgan Rogers vs West Ham
Rogers was key as Villa beat Arsenal in B6 and was once again the star of the show over a week later in the capital.
The England international featured off the left and was given a licence to free roam across the pitch and make things happen in East London.
He did exactly that with several flashes of true quality that ultimately went on to make all the difference in securing the three points.
Rogers scored a coolly taken strike inside the box and a world-class effort from range, while making several opportunities for himself throughout the clash.
Walcott had only good things to say about the Englishman on Match of the Day, comparing him to Messi in the process.
He said: “We look at big performances from really important players, but his influence right now on this Aston Villa team is really standing out. You can just see the confidence in his play. What I really like is his intent.
“We see him at times in the middle of the park, but he always keeps moving, keeps his defender guessing. This is what I like, at times He operated a lot on the left, which we haven’t seen him do too often. [He showed] a different side of it where he can give it and go, and show that other side of it.
“At times, as a defender, it’s an absolute handful to deal with. Fantastic cross as well. At times, to be a good player, you don’t have to do too much movement. Messi has lived off of that for many years.“
Aston Villa rely on Rogers once again for inspiration
The 23-year-old was superb once again away to West Ham as his two goals made all the difference between no points and three.
Rogers featured across the full 90 minutes and was able to take 61 touches in that time and clock up five shots at the London Stadium.
Two goals scored from those efforts is no mean feat, especially while also completing three dribbles and 100 per cent of his attempted long balls.
That isn’t to say the Englishman was single-minded, as he chipped in with five defensive actions and also won seven duels against the Hammers.
There was so much to love about Rogers’ performance, and everyone associated with Villa will be happy with the Messi comparison in B6.
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