Morgan Rogers’ journey from West Bromwich Albion’s academy to becoming a key player at Aston Villa is one of determination, development, and resilience. Each manager who has worked with him has seen glimpses of his immense talent, but some have also raised concerns about his temperament and discipline.
From being a Manchester City prospect to flourishing at Middlesbrough and now making his mark in the Premier League and Champions League, Rogers’ rise has been impressive. But as he pushes himself to reach the top, he also finds himself walking a disciplinary tightrope, with yellow cards mounting up for Villa this season.
Here’s a look at what his managers, past and present, have said about him – the good and the bad.
READ MORE: Chris Davies makes prediction for when Alex Cochrane leaves Birmingham City
READ MORE: Birmingham City handed raft of pubs as they dwarf Peterborough at Vertu Trophy final
Darren Moore
Rogers joined West Brom’s academy at Under-9 level, quickly establishing himself as one of the club’s brightest prospects. By 16, he had already broken into the first team, making his debut in the FA Cup against Brighton in 2019.
Darren Moore, who coached him in the West Brom youth system before taking charge of the senior squad, saw something special in him early on: “It’s no surprise at all to see what Morgan’s doing. He was an outstanding young player, somebody with undoubted ability and wonderful vision. The bit he’s now added to his game is his temperament and real desire.”
Moore was so convinced of Rogers’ talent that when Manchester City approached West Brom to sign him, they sought Moore’s insight before making their final decision.
"When I got to City, they were drawing a little bit of insight from me as I’d worked with him. I had no doubts about him, and I knew what they thought of him then."
Despite Moore’s belief in his ability, Rogers would have to leave West Brom in search of bigger opportunities.
Pep Guardiola
In August 2019, Manchester City paid £4 million to bring Rogers to their academy, impressed by his performances in the FA Youth Cup. However, with City’s squad stacked with world-class midfielders, it became clear that breaking into the first team would be difficult.
Pep Guardiola later reflected on Rogers’ time at the club, admitting that timing and competition for places were the main reasons he never got a chance at City: “Sometimes when players arrive, they are two, three years younger, and at that moment there was Kevin De Bruyne in his prime, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sané, and Raheem Sterling… it’s difficult.”
“That’s the only reason why Rogers didn’t get a chance. But I’m happy for him because he’s a lovely guy. He exploded last season and this season he’s a really, really top-class player. England have another exceptional player”, he added.
Without a path to City’s first team, Rogers was sent out on multiple loans to gain experience.
Jez George & Michael Appleton
Rogers’ first proper taste of senior football came in League One when he joined Lincoln City on loan in January 2021.
Jez George, Lincoln’s sporting director, had followed Rogers since his West Brom days and knew he was something special: “We had five players hanging off him at one point in a Youth Cup game, but our lads couldn’t get near him. We knew he would be brilliant.”
Michael Appleton, Lincoln’s manager at the time, played a big role in Rogers’ development, giving him the freedom to express himself in attack. He was rewarded when Rogers scored three goals in seven games in March 2021, winning the EFL Young Player of the Month award.
"Morgan’s willingness to take responsibility on the ball and his intelligence in attacking areas make him a very exciting player. He has the physicality and the bravery to really kick on in his career", he said.
Simon Francis
After impressing at Lincoln, Rogers was sent on loan to Championship side Bournemouth. However, things did not go to plan, and he struggled for game time.
Simon Francis, Bournemouth’s assistant technical director, later admitted that Rogers didn’t arrive with the right attitude to succeed at the club: "It was pretty clear and simple as to why he struggled. He didn’t arrive with enough intensity in his work. But we knew the potential he had, and he’s gone on to fulfill it—unfortunately, just not with us."
Mick McCarthy
Another loan spell followed, this time to Blackpool in January 2023. Under Mick McCarthy, Rogers showed flashes of his potential, but it was a difficult period for the club as they battled Championship relegation.
“Morgan was an amazing talent and an outgoing, gregarious character in the dressing room. He played on the left, but one match I played him as a centre-forward, and he was brilliant.”
Michael Carrick & Kieran Scott
A permanent move to Middlesbrough in July 2023 under Michael Carrick proved to be the turning point in Rogers’ career. He thrived in the Championship, scoring five goals in the EFL Cup, finishing as the competition’s top scorer.
Carrick was full of praise for his new signing: “Morgan has developed really well. He’s got an incredible work ethic, he’s versatile, and he’s got that physicality and technical ability to play at a high level.”
However, Middlesbrough’s head of football, Kieran Scott, also revealed that Rogers needed time to adapt: “When he first came in, he didn’t play week in, week out. He was off the pace and was in and out of the team.”
It wasn’t until Unai Emery spotted Rogers while watching footage ahead of an FA Cup tie that his move to Aston Villa became a reality.
Unai Emery
Since arriving at Aston Villa, Rogers has flourished under Unai Emery, scoring big goals in the Premier League and Champions League.
Emery challenged Rogers to push himself, saying: "We've not even tapped anywhere near the potential you have."
After Rogers starred in Villa’s win over Arsenal, Emery was adamant that he was ready for England’s senior team.
“Morgan played fantastic last week, fantastic. He is now ready to play in the England first team. If not, I accept it because there are other players as well. But do not call him up for the Under-21s. His moment to play there is finished, it's done. Now he is at another level - it's completely clear he has gone to another level", he said.
However, his disciplinary record has become a growing concern. Rogers has eight yellow cards this season, the most of any Aston Villa player. He is now walking a tightrope, with two more bookings triggering a two-match ban.
