Morgan Rogers was one of many Aston Villa players who starred during their victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
It was a momentous night at Villa Park, as Jhon Duran’s late winner clinched a memorable win against the German giants, who they last played in this competition in 1982.
Aston Villa’s attacking midfield talent Morgan Rogers was the driving force behind their triumph, with the 22-year-old using his pace and power to wreak havoc against Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Completing five dribbles and winning seven ground duels, Rogers left some of the Villa stars stunned by his performance, including Ian Maatsen and Emi Martinez.
Rogers, though, wasn’t the only player in claret and blue who rose to the occasion, with the Englishman waxing lyrical over one of his teammates.
Morgan Rogers lauds Jhon Duran a ‘nightmare’ to play against
When Duran came off the bench in the 70th minute, there was a sense of anticipation among the crowd that he could be the match winner.
The 20-year-old had already scored four times from the bench in the Premier League and he made it a fifth against Bayern as he lobbed the ball over a despairing Manuel Neuer.
Duran’s goal in that game saw him achieve a feat that no other player in Europe has managed – five goals as a substitute in 2024/25.
Villa teammate Rogers has dubbed the young striker a ‘defenders nightmare’ to play against, as he’s not only clinical inside and outside of the box but he’s also a huge presence up top with his strength, pace and power.
“He kind of gives me energy in the last 20 minutes if I’m a bit tired and run around a bit,” said Rogers via Villa’s official website. “He comes on and causes defenders nightmares. You can see the quality he’s got.
“He’s won how many games for us this season? He’s a great player. You can see that he’s only going to get better. For him to be 20 is mad. It’s a good finish and he’ll keep going.”
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Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran is a mouth-watering partnership
Despite scoring the winner against Bayern, Duran – who they signed from Chicago Fire for a bargain £14.75 million in January 2023 – could still find himself on the bench for their clash at home to Man United on Sunday.
Paul Merson believes Duran will remain on the bench and expects Ollie Watkins to lead the line but if there was ever any time where Watkins was unavailable, a partnership of Rogers and Duran would be interesting to watch.
The duo have struck dynamite together from the bench however, they are yet to start as a forward duo this season and that is remarkable.
Villa fans shouldn’t be worried about that, though, as holding onto both players could see them flourish at Villa Park for the next decade, as Duran can be Watkins’ long-term replacement.
Indeed, Rogers and Duran could form a devastating duo in years to come that would strike fear into Premier League defences.
