Morgan Rogers has recently candidly discussed the significant influence that Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has had on the trajectory of his burgeoning career. Joining Villa from Middlesbrough in February, the 22-year-old forward has quickly established himself as an integral part of the squad and recently celebrated the milestone of earning his first senior cap for England during a match against Greece.
Rogers’ transition to Villa was not without its hurdles. He initially faced a challenging adjustment period before securing his role within the team. Early in his tenure, Emery described him as a “Championship player,” a comment that underscored the expectation for Rogers to demonstrate his capabilities in the more demanding landscape of the Premier League. This label resonated deeply with Rogers, who embraced the challenge presented by Emery, leading to a string of impressive performances in England’s top flight.
Reflecting on his early experiences, Rogers recounted Emery’s forthright assessment: “Unai didn't love me at the start. That's the way he manages, especially me. It was very much a case of tough love.” He elaborated on their discussions, stating, "Until you have proved yourself in the Premier League, you are still - in my eyes - a Championship player." Initially taken aback by the harshness of the remark, Rogers ultimately recognised the manager's intent: “That stuck with me and still does. Now, I get what he means.”
Despite officially being a Premier League player due to his match appearances, Rogers acknowledged the ongoing need to earn Emery’s complete trust. “I wasn't established - that’s what he meant - that I could be trusted in every game, 100 per cent." This realisation has driven him to rise above previous expectations.
In a further testament to his commitment, Rogers has recently signed a contract extension that will keep him with Aston Villa until 2030. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for Emery’s direct feedback, stating, “He zeroed in on details he wanted me to improve upon.” Such guidance has been crucial, allowing him to integrate more swiftly into the team's dynamics rather than simply going through the motions.
Moreover, Rogers highlighted the significance of adjusting to Emery’s elevated expectations. “He didn't want any of that. He wanted me to instantly get it and understand it.” The young forward takes great pride in his profound appreciation for the game, diligently striving to meet the standards set by his manager. He has noted the intensity of the training and the requisite adaptation needed to excel on the pitch.
Under Emery’s astute guidance, Morgan Rogers has shown remarkable progress, reaffirming the potential that the manager evidently recognised from the outset. As he continues to evolve, both fans and analysts are poised to observe how far his career at Aston Villa will develop, a journey that promises to be compelling.