Morgan Rogers’ Aston Villa rise has stunned even the club’s legends — and Gareth Barry has openly admitted he never expected the 22-year-old to become the player he is today.
According to Sky Sports, Barry — the former Villa and England midfielder — praised Rogers’ “phenomenal” growth under Unai Emery, calling his development from a raw West Brom youngster to Champions League performer “remarkable”.
Aston Villa’s resurgence under Emery has been one of English football’s modern success stories. From near-relegation in 2020 to Europe’s elite in 2025, Villa have built one of the Premier League’s most balanced squads, featuring Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres, and Emiliano Martínez — with Rogers now emerging as the symbol of their new era.
But even Barry, who saw Rogers’ early steps at West Brom, admits the forward’s rise caught him off guard.
Gareth Barry: “I didn’t expect this level from him”
“Yeah, the rise he’s had — the speed he’s got up to international and Champions League level — is phenomenal. He was a young boy when I was at West Brom. I remember him being a raw striker and thinking he’s not going to be the player he is today.” — Gareth Barry, via Sky Sports
Barry added that Rogers’ early inconsistency was natural, but his maturity and work ethic have made him one of England’s most exciting attacking options.
From Middlesbrough signing to Villa talisman
When Villa signed Rogers from Middlesbrough in January 2024, few expected him to become a mainstay. At that point, Villa were sitting in the Premier League’s top four and looking for Champions League depth, not developmental prospects.
But Rogers defied expectations — scoring 14 goals in 54 games last season, including four in the Champions League, as Villa reached the quarter-finals for the first time in over four decades. His mix of power, pace, and close control has drawn comparisons to a young Raheem Sterling.
| Stat (2025/26) | Morgan Rogers |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 83% |
source: Sofascore match data – 13 Oct 2025
Despite a quieter start to the new campaign for Aston Villa, Rogers’ ceiling remains enormous — and Barry believes confidence will be key to unlocking another standout season.
England form keeps World Cup dream alive
Thomas Tuchel has continued to show faith in Rogers at international level. His early strike against Wales last week — his first England goal — was a reminder of his clinical touch, and a timely boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Rogers’ inclusion in Tuchel’s longlist suggests his versatility and directness are valued in a squad still searching for wide options. To cement his place, he’ll need to rediscover his Villa Park form in the coming months.
Analyst Verdict — by John William, FootballPlace Senior Analyst
Rogers’ development fits the Unai Emery blueprint perfectly: technically refined, tactically adaptable, and mentally tough. His ability to drift inside, link play, and press aggressively suits Villa’s high-line system — something Emery prioritises.
From a long-term perspective, Rogers is more than a breakout star. He represents the club’s recruitment evolution — data-driven, youth-focused, and European in outlook. If he continues on this path, he could be central to both Villa and England’s success stories over the next decade.
Key Insights
- Gareth Barry calls Morgan Rogers’ rise “phenomenal”.
- Rogers scored 14 goals for Aston Villa last season, including four in Europe.
- Tuchel trusts him in England’s World Cup preparations.
- Unai Emery’s system is maximising his strengths.
- Villa’s youth-driven recruitment keeps paying dividends.
What’s Next for Morgan Rogers and Villa
Villa face Tottenham and GA Eagles in back-to-back fixtures after the international break — a perfect stage for Rogers to silence doubts about his early-season form.
If he delivers, his World Cup seat may not just be likely — it could be guaranteed. And for Gareth Barry, that would be further proof that even seasoned pros can underestimate football’s late bloomers.
👉 Do you think Morgan Rogers should start for England at the 2026 World Cup?
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