Former Birmingham City and Watford forward Troy Deeney has launched a stinging critique of Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, branding the player's early-season attitude as 'entitled' following a failed transfer to Chelsea.
The comments emerged despite Deeney including Rogers in his BBC Sport Team of the Week after the Villa star scored a decisive brace in a 2-1 comeback victory against Leeds United.
Transfer Turmoil and a Price Tag to Deter Suitors
During the summer transfer window, Rogers was the subject of intense speculation and strong interest from both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. This came after the midfielder's impressive previous season, where his performances earned him the PFA Young Player of the Season award.
With Aston Villa navigating Profit and Sustainability regulations, the club faced pressure to sell players. While academy graduate Jacob Ramsey was eventually sold to Newcastle United for approximately £40 million, Villa were determined to keep hold of Rogers.
To fend off his admirers, the club reportedly set a staggering £80 million price tag on the England international. In the end, Chelsea bolstered their midfield by signing Joao Pedro and Facundo Buonanotte, while Tottenham acquired Xavi Simons.
A Dip in Form and a Scathing Verdict
According to Deeney, the unresolved transfer saga had a visible impact on Rogers at the start of the current campaign. The pundit suggested the player's form suffered because he was disappointed not to secure a move away from Villa Park.
"I didn't think he had a great start to the season," Deeney stated. "I think he was a little bit entitled and thought he maybe could have got a move to Chelsea, and probably wanted that."
However, Deeney was quick to acknowledge the player's remarkable turnaround, adding, "he seems to have settled down. Two great goals obviously against Leeds dragged his team from behind. He was the difference maker."
Resurgence and England Ambitions
Rogers has emphatically put his early-season troubles behind him with a series of stellar displays for both club and country. His recent resurgence is highlighted by a record of three goals and two assists in his last twelve league appearances, with all these contributions coming in the last six matchweeks.
This return to form was rewarded with a new long-term contract at Aston Villa, cementing his importance to manager Unai Emery's plans.
On the international stage, Rogers has become a regular feature in England's World Cup qualifying matches and is a player admired by manager Thomas Tuchel. His prospects of starting in the upcoming tournament are strong, though he faces fierce competition from the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and the injured Cole Palmer.
Arsenal's Eberechi Eze has also staked a powerful claim for a role in the England setup after scoring a hat-trick in the North London derby against Tottenham, further intensifying the battle for places in the national team.
