Morgan Rogers reveals how a conversation with Michael Carrick sparked his rise and why Unai Emery is the ‘perfect’ boss for him – as the Aston Villa star bids for his England debut

Morgan Rogers can pinpoint the moment he knew he no longer wanted to be just another young player with a lot of potential.

He was in conversation last year with Michael Carrick, the Manchester United legend and his then manager at Middlesbrough, and discussed what separates the raw talents of 10-a-penny who turn it on and off, a ‘glimpses player’ like Rogers it calls. and those complete stars around whom you build a team.

What’s the difference, Carrick asked? What does a player with potential look like? And what does it look like to fulfill them? And what is it above all that enables you to do this?

The gears started turning in Rogers’ mind. Because that’s what this impressive 22-year-old has become for Aston Villa this season under Unai Emery, one of the most consistently brilliant players in the Premier League and now with an England call-up to show for it.

“It’s hard to explain what it looks like,” said Rogers, as he sat in front of the media at St George’s Park ahead of a potential senior debut against Greece on Thursday, with the air of a seasoned pro who knew he was always here was. belonged.

Rogers is a key player for Aston Villa and could make his England debut against Greece

The 22-year-old credits his former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick for his rise

“You know, you just feel more, more of a complete player, I think, not a moments player, not a glimpse player. You become a permanent fixture and a pillar in the team, and I felt that, especially this season.

“You don’t want to just be that person who turns it on and off, where you see it and then you don’t see it. I want to be the person who knows what you’re going to get from me when you come see me play. It’s not always going to be perfect, and you can live with that, but as long as your attitude and mentality is right, which I think is a big thing for me this year, I’ll keep going. I keep trying to do the right things no matter what.

“I showed glimpses towards the end of last season, but this season and pre-season it was a real mentality that I wanted to be a mainstay in the team. I wanted to progress and develop, show what I stand for and take the next step.’

And boy, did he? He has started every match in the Premier League and Champions League this season for Villa, the team he joined from Boro in February. Even he admits he’s been surprised by how well he’s played. Rogers was only called up to the England squad due to being a substitute or dropping out, but there are many who believe he should have one in the first place.

For Rogers, he attributes this to his work ethic – he has hired a private chef and spent his summer training in 40-degree heat in Miami and Las Vegas – but also to the influence of Emery and his teammates at Villa.

“I think any player would say that a manager’s trust is the most important thing and he has given that to me from day one,” he said. ‘He threw me in at the deep end when people got injured last season and gave me the opportunity to shine and develop and become the person I am today.

‘He is the perfect person for me. He demands and pushes me every day, and the same goes for the players. I have players around me who push me every day to improve and get better.”

Carrick too in his Boro days. ‘He is a very good manager, but even a better person. He’s just the way he played, that laid-back character, and he was so good to me and helped me, got me through some tough times during the time I was with him.”

Rogers explained that Carrick discussed the difference between “glimpses of players” and complete stars

The confidence of Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has ensured Rogers has flourished since his move

The midfielder has gone from strength to strength since joining Aston Villa in February

Now Emery is building his team around Rogers. Rogers hopes Thomas Tuchel will one day do the same. For now, he’s ready to take it all in and keep learning.

“First and foremost, I think I have to soak it up like a sponge and just take bits and pieces of people’s games and how they train, how they work, because they’re at the top of their game, and that’s where I just come,” he added. Rogers.

‘I aspire not just to be a player in the team, but a consistent player in the team, playing regularly for my country, and that is where I want to go. So why not learn from the players that are in that position right now and try to develop myself and improve and test myself and show why I deserve to be here and see where it takes me .’

Rogers described the moment he was drafted as surreal. The same applied to his first training with Lee Carsley’s team.

“Yes, that’s it again,” Rogers said. ‘The players around you, the players you see on TV every week, who perform at a high level. I’m a big England fan so I’ve seen all the internationals growing up, so playing with these players now is, yeah, it’s a pinch-me moment. I’m just really looking forward to learning what I can, seeing what it’s all about and showing what I stand for at the same time.’

Rogers says his standout English memory growing up was watching David Beckham’s famous free-kick against Greece that secured qualification for the 2002 World Cup – although he must have watched it on YouTube when Rogers was born six months after it happened .

How he would love to make his own memories if he can force his way into the World Cup squad in two years’ time.

“There’s nothing like the boys in the excitement of the country coming together when there are big tournaments,” Rogers said. “It’s a huge thing for the whole country. So when you see that as a kid, it’s surreal to be a part of that now, and to be around players who have gone through all that.”

Rogers could make his England debut when they play Greece in the Nations League

The midfielder wants to become a permanent fixture in the team under new boss Thomas Tuchel

Which he hopes will serve him well, not only because of his top qualities, but also because of his versatility.

‘Growing up I was more of a winger, I came through the academies as a winger, and when I played with Middlesbrough in the Championship I was placed at center and even played as a striker. So now I’m happy to play anywhere. I feel like I have the ability to play in multiple positions. I’m proud of that, that I can change my game and adapt it to what is necessary.’

Born in Halesowen, Rogers talks with that West Midlands twang and is proud to be following in the footsteps of fellow Brummies Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish. “The best city in England, Birmingham,” he said, grinning. ‘That’s why they’re the best players!’

He is also proud that he was able to call his family, his parents Deborah and Howard, to tell them he had received the call.

“It was a fun call to make,” he said. ‘They are just very proud and happy for me. They have been by my side from the start, from taking me to games when I was younger at West Brom, to now they still come to virtually every game no matter where it is, and there is no such support. go unnoticed.

“I wouldn’t be the person or the player I am without them, just the support, the guide, everything. “I’m a big family person, so that’s huge for me, to be able to make them proud and give them something back for everything they’ve done for me over the years.”