Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa’s 21-year-old midfielder, was crowned the Europa League Player of the Season on Tuesday after a campaign that defied expectations for both the club and the player himself. The award, voted on by coaches and journalists across Europe, marks a historic moment—not just for Rogers, but for Aston Villa, who reached the tournament’s semifinals before falling to Barcelona in a tightly contested 2-1 aggregate defeat over two legs.
Rogers’ rise has been meteoric. Signed from Manchester City for £8 million in January 2023, he initially struggled for minutes under former manager Unai Emery. But after a managerial overhaul that saw Steven Gerrard take charge in October 2023, Rogers was handed a starting berth in the Europa League group stages. He repaid the faith immediately, scoring twice in a 4-0 dismantling of Ludogorets Razgrad and adding another goal in a crucial 2-1 victory over Qarabağ FK.
Key Points
- ⚡ First England-born player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in 2003
- 💡 Scored 5 goals in 12 Europa League appearances this season
- ✅ Named Player of the Month in the Premier League twice during 2023-24
The midfielder’s technical brilliance and physicality have drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne, though Rogers insists he’s still “just trying to get better every day.” His ability to dictate tempo from deep positions and contribute defensively has been pivotal in Villa’s push for Champions League qualification. Gerrard, never shy with praise, called Rogers “a special talent” after the semifinal defeat to Barcelona, where he played despite a minor ankle injury.
📋 By The Numbers
- 87% — Rogers’ pass completion rate in Europa League knockout stages
- 1.8 — Average tackles won per game in the tournament
Villa’s sporting director, Monchi, revealed the club had rejected multiple bids for Rogers over the winter transfer window, valuing him at over £50 million. “He’s not for sale,” Monchi stated. “Not now, not ever, unless something extraordinary happens.” The valuation underscores the club’s belief in Rogers as the cornerstone of a new era at Villa Park.
| Tournament | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europa League 2023-24 | 12 | 5 | 3 |
| Premier League 2023-24 | 34 | 8 | 7 |
Rogers’ award comes amidst a resurgence for Aston Villa, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season and secured a Champions League spot for the first time since 1983. The club’s European campaign, though ultimately ending in heartbreak, showcased their progress under Gerrard’s tactical system, which prioritizes high pressing and quick transitions—a system that has allowed Rogers to thrive.
💡 Pro Tip
For young midfielders looking to break into first teams: Rogers’ breakthrough wasn’t overnight. His loan spells at Championship clubs Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town honed his physicality and decision-making before he earned Gerrard’s trust at Villa. Development isn’t linear—patience is key.
The award also cements Rogers’ status as one of England’s most promising talents, with Gareth Southgate reportedly monitoring his progress ahead of Euro 2024. With just 57 senior appearances to his name, the road ahead is long, but Rogers has already proven he belongs among Europe’s elite. As Gerrard put it: “He’s got everything—technique, vision, work ethic. The sky’s the limit.”
- 📊 Rogers ranks in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe for progressive carries this season
- 🔍 68% of his goals have come from outside the box, showcasing his shooting range
- ⚠️ Despite his rise, Rogers has yet to receive a senior England call-up—a gap that may close by September
