Aston Villa’s start to the 2025/26 Premier League season is far from encouraging, with Unai Emery’s team still looking for a first league victory after five games.
Despite progress in Europe, domestic form has irritated fans, and former England striker Darren Bent is now publicly questioning the commitment of one of Villa’s most talented young players.
Speaking about Talksport, Bent picks out Morgan Rogers and claims that the 23-year-old winger looks like a shadow of a player who lit up so bright last season.
Rodgers contributed to Villa’s 2024/25 campaign, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists as the club reached the Champions League quarterfinals. His rise attracted even interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea over the summer, speculation that the move could have been.
Morgan Rogers struggles to perform at Aston Villa
However, the villa closed the door on every departure, claiming that the player was part of Emery’s long-term project.
However, since the new season began, Rogers has been struggling with his form very much. With seven appearances across all competitions, he failed to register a single goal or support.
Speaking about Talksport, Bent said:
“Watkins isn’t confident, but Morgan Rodgers doesn’t seem to be interested. At one point, I think the fans are pretty fast. When they’re not doing what they were doing or doing what they were doing last season, what are they going on here?”
“Well, he was linked to some big clubs, so maybe he was like, ‘Oh, I don’t mind one of them,’ but that didn’t happen. So he probably throws out his toy a bit from the pram.
“That’s why he’s the guy I see and go “come.” Because I think he’s a great young player. ”
Unai Emery must be worried about Rogers & Watkins
The Villa struggle doesn’t just depend on Rogers, and Ollie Watkins endures difficult spells in front of the goal. But it’s one of the brightest prospects for Villa, and as PFA Young Player of the Year last season, Rogers’ lack of sparks has proven to be damaging Emery’s system in particular.
Emery faces a key decision, whether or not he shakes things up and looks to alternatives, in the coming weeks, in hopes of sticking with his struggles and sticking with his sparks.
While Rogers remains an exceptional outlook, hopes to climb out of Villa’s relegation zone could be in serious danger unless his mentality and performance improve rapidly.
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