Unai Emery’s wealth of quality Aston Villa players have been impressing on international duty, with one now labelled as a ‘top talent’ by his national team boss.
In the first international break of the season, many of Aston Villa’s players have been travelling the globe with their countries.
Lucas Digne starred for France on Monday night as they beat a Belgium side that featured midfielders Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans.
Jhon Duran was also praised for his performance in Colombia’s 1-1 draw against Peru while John McGinn put in a trademark display in Scotland’s defeat to Portugal.
The plaudits for Villa players don’t stop there, though, as one youngster was dubbed a ‘top talent’ after starring for his nation last night.
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England under-21 boss Ben Futcher dubs Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers a ‘top talent’
Villa star Morgan Rogers was called up to the England under-21s for their Euro qualifier against Northern Ireland and friendly against Austria.
Many people – including manager Unai Emery – questioned why Rogers was chosen for the under-21s when he believed he should be playing for the senior side.
Speaking after the squad was named, Emery responded to this news angrily, saying: “I am very surprised the national team called him for Under-21 [team]. What does he gain by playing in the U21s, Morgan Rogers? He is ready in case they want to call him for the national team, I can understand.
“My response to it, my question is, Morgan Rogers, now he is a reality. The first six months he was here, was OK, but now he is confirming it – not to play in the Under-21s. If they are calling him in the national team, the first team, OK perfect. If not, why?
“What is a player like Morgan Rogers gaining by playing for the U21s? I am surprised. I respect that they are not calling him for the first team, but the second team? He is not a player for the second team. Hopefully he will come back here in good shape.”
Emery was understandably annoyed as he felt Rogers playing for the under-21s wasn’t worth the risk of him getting injured but luckily, he’s avoided any casualties and instead showcased his talent.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Cole Palmer were both left impressed by Rogers after he scored a brace for England in their 4-1 win over Austria on Monday, while interim boss Ben Futcher dubbed him a ‘top talent’.
“There’s some top talent in there and Morgan is one of them,” Futcher said. “It’s good to see him on the scoresheet – he was excellent tonight but so were other players as well. It was a positive night with a good team performance so we can go away happy.”
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Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran
Villa’s players will return from duty with their nation and jump straight back into club action this weekend as they play host to Everton.
For Rogers, it’s an opportunity to continue his early season form, while adding goals and assists to his game.
As for striker Duran, the Colombian is vying for a starting spot ahead of Ollie Watkins after scoring from the bench in wins over West Ham and Leicester City.
The 20-year-old has had to be patient for starts but Emery firmly believes he’s one of the best strikers on the planet in his age group.
Perhaps against Everton, the youngster will get a rare opportunity to lead the line from the off and form a potentially devastating partnership with Rogers.
