Former Manchester City academy player Morgan Rogers has been making waves in the Premier League with his impressive performances. After scoring Aston Villa’s second goal in a crucial victory over Manchester City, Rogers showcased not only his talent but also his unique "shivering" celebration, which he claims to have originated alongside Chelsea's Cole Palmer. Both players share a similar journey of struggling at City before finding success elsewhere. Rogers' performance against his former club highlights his growing reputation as a formidable player, earning praise from both fans and pundits alike.

Rogers' Journey from City to Villa

Morgan Rogers' path to becoming an integral part of Aston Villa has been anything but straightforward. At 22, he has already represented seven clubs, starting with West Brom at the age of nine. His talent caught the eye of Manchester City, leading to several loan spells before he eventually joined Middlesbrough in July 2023. Despite a mixed start, Aston Villa saw potential in him and signed him for £8m plus add-ons in January. Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, Rogers has flourished, becoming a key player for the team ranked fourth-best last season.

Rogers' journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. After joining West Brom at nine and making his senior debut at 16, he moved to Manchester City, where he spent time on loan at Lincoln City, Bournemouth, and Blackpool. His move to Middlesbrough marked a turning point, where he showed flashes of brilliance. However, it was his transfer to Aston Villa that truly set him on the path to stardom. Emery's mentorship has been pivotal, pushing Rogers to new heights. “Every day he pushes me – he doesn’t let me have a second off,” Rogers said of Emery. This relationship has been instrumental in his development, leading to an extended contract until 2030.

Shining Against Old Familiar Faces

Rogers' performance against Manchester City at Villa Park was nothing short of spectacular. He scored Villa’s second goal and provided an assist, demonstrating his versatility and skill. Guardiola acknowledged Rogers' talent, fielding questions about why City allowed him to leave. Rogers’ ability to thrive under pressure and deliver quality performances has earned him the trust of Emery, who starts him in every league game. Despite modest goal and assist numbers, Rogers consistently delivers more than statistics suggest, linking midfielders with strikers and adding creativity to the team.

Against City, Rogers was near irresistible, hitting the post after a fine individual effort and setting up Ollie Watkins with a magnificent through ball. His four shots, five dribbles, and six touches in the opposition box were tops for Villa. Pundits like Joe Hart praised his intelligence and composure. “Rogers looks super intelligent, he takes the game by the scruff of the neck,” Hart remarked. As Rogers continues to grow, there is speculation that he and Cole Palmer might reunite on the same side, offering a tantalizing prospect for England fans. With his international debut already under his belt, Rogers' future looks bright, and his reputation continues to soar.