Aston Villa star admits to ‘struggling’ early in his career and explains the differences between Unai Emery and Pep Guardiola

Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers has played under some of the world’s top managers in his short professional career.

Rogers has been heavily criticised for his performances in the Premier League this season and has looked short of confidence, albeit much improved in Sunday’s win over Fulham at Villa Park.

Towards the end of a particularly disappointing display against Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday, Rogers was subjected to sarcastic cheers when he completed a pass. Villa’s supporters were right behind him against Fulham and he showed a few flashes of his old self.

Rogers has demonstrated his potential in a Villa shirt. He was excellent for long periods of the 2024/25 season, scoring 14 times and contributing 16 assists in all competitions but the promise of more this season has so far gone unfulfilled.

The 23-year-old has become one of the big challenges for Villa manager Unai Emery but can also draw upon his own experiences with Pep Guardiola and, most recently, England manager Thomas Tuchel.

Rogers joined Manchester City from West Bromwich Albion in 2019 and had the opportunity to work under Guardiola without actually making a first team appearance. After loan spells with Lincoln City, AFC Bournemouth and Blackpool, Rogers left for Middlesbrough to seek first team football and was soon snapped up and brought home to the West Midlands as a Villa player.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Rogers shared his insight into the management skills of Emery and Guardiola.

“I think when I was younger, where I struggled was with the tactical element. When Pep came to England, everyone became tactically obsessed,” said Rogers.

“Football became a bit of a chess match. A lot was played on paper and before the game in preparation for how to actually set up on the pitch.

“Whereas, this manager is nothing like that. We have to be right tactically and have positions, don’t get me wrong, but at the same time it is about us and showing our qualities.

“Whether it’s me or the next person, if they are playing, the manager wants to show what they’re about. When you get on the pitch, you get to show what your capabilities are.”

Rogers reveals his preferred position

Rogers has played in all three positions off striker Ollie Watkins as a Villa player, operating from both the left and the right as well as in the hole behind the frontman.

Asked about his preference, he told Sky Sports that he values flexibility and doesn’t necessarily fit into a particular tactical box.

“Honestly, it doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Different games pose different problems. I think I probably got more comfortable as a number 10,” he said.

“However, I’m not a typical number 10, according to the majority of the characteristics they have. My characteristics probably suit a winger more, but I prefer to be in the central areas and to receive the ball in central areas and drive down the middle of the pitch.

“I’m so comfortable playing in different positions because I played as a winger and then got moved centrally not long ago. I’m really happy to play anywhere – I can play deeper or further forward.”

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