Former Liverpool defender and respected Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has lavished praise on Aston Villa's in-form attacker Morgan Rogers, labelling him 'something special' and a potential key figure in both the title race and England's World Cup plans.
Carragher's glowing endorsement after West Ham win
The high praise came following Aston Villa's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday, a result that solidified their remarkable Premier League campaign. Rogers was the match-winner, scoring a second-half brace including a powerful long-range strike to secure all three points for Unai Emery's side.
Carragher highlighted the 23-year-old's transformative impact this season. "Morgan Rogers is something special," Carragher stated. "To not just be one of the best young players in the Premier League, which is what he was last season as PFA Young Player of the Year, he's now looking like one of the best players in the Premier League."
The pundit directly linked Rogers' form to Villa's stunning ascent. The club currently sits third, having won 10 of their last 11 league matches, a run that includes victories over both Arsenal and Manchester City. "And that could be key if Aston Villa do feel that they could go on and contest the league title, or actually go on and win it," Carragher added.
A World Cup dilemma for England boss Tuchel?
Carragher's analysis went beyond the domestic league, venturing into the international arena. He suggested that Rogers' performances have created a genuine selection headache for England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of next summer's World Cup.
The former Manchester City academy graduate is now seen as a direct competitor for a starting spot alongside Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham. "This is a real fight for Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers to see who's going to play in that number 10 position behind Harry Kane at the World Cup," Carragher explained.
He emphasised that Bellingham's place is no longer a certainty, saying, "The more I watch him [Rogers] play... this is not an easy decision that Bellingham comes back in. And if he keeps playing like that, it's certainly not a given."
Villa's form and the challenges ahead
Aston Villa's position is a testament to their incredible consistency. Their recent victory means they are now closer to league leaders Arsenal than they are to fourth-placed Chelsea.
However, Carragher's comments come as scrutiny increases on whether Villa can maintain this challenge. The intensity of their Europa League campaign in the spring and the strategic moves made in the upcoming January transfer window are likely to be pivotal.
With five goals and three assists in his last 11 appearances, Rogers has emerged as a central figure in their success. Carragher's verdict underscores a growing consensus that the young Englishman has evolved from a promising talent into a Premier League force and a serious contender for a leading role on the world's biggest stage.
