Aston Villa star gets glowing review from top football pundit: ‘He’s a nightmare!’

Roy Keane has praised Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers for his ability, ranging from his physical strength to his intelligent movements.

Villa forward Rogers is still finding his feet on the international stage and earning praise from a pundit as demanding as Keane speaks volumes.

The 23-year-old played his third successive England match in Tuesday night’s 5-0 win over Latvia before being replaced by Eberechi Eze on the hour mark.

“He just causes confusion,” Keane told ITV before England’s latest win. “He plays in pockets. When he just stands still, you can’t get to him. He is good enough on the half-turn to then play a quality pass.

“He has strength and that physique. He has awareness. He is a nightmare for a midfielder or defender. We can talk all day about getting close [to him], but when you give him an opportunity, he will take it.

“He’s enjoying it and I said this before; sometimes he reminds me of Gazza in his prime. He is strong and powerful. He holds people off.

“He looks like he enjoys playing for England. When we have spoken before, especially about players in attacking positions, that it can be a heavy jersey to carry, he looks like he is really enjoying it.”

Will Rogers go to the World Cup?

Rogers has the ability to find space, drawing defenders out and creating chaos between the lines.

His movement is smart, but it’s his awareness before receiving the ball that sets him apart. He scans constantly, already knowing where the next pass will go before the ball reaches him. That anticipation is the heartbeat of his game.

Competition for England’s attacking positions is fierce but Rogers looks unfazed as a young player, not weighed down by the shirt but lifted by it.

“When you are an attacker and impacting games, he looks really comfortable out there,” said Keane.

“There are lots of players who can play in that position. England have some unbelievable options, but Rogers looks like he is taking it all in his stride. I’ve got the jersey and I’m going to hold onto it.”

Rogers showing the rare blend of confidence and tactical maturity that international football demands, the same qualities that have defined his rise under Unai Emery.

And while Keane’s praise came in an England context, it carried a familiar truth for Villa supporters that Morgan Rogers is not just talented. He’s special. The intelligence, the composure, and the quiet confidence are all part of a player who looks entirely at home among the best.

Finding the same form in a Villa shirt after a slow start in 2025/26 is the big test for Rogers now.

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