Morgan Rogers Hails Teenage Talent After Dramatic Villa Victory
Aston Villa's rising star Morgan Rogers has revealed he has "taken a shine" to teenage forward Jamal Jimoh-Aloba, following the youngster's match-winning heroics against RB Salzburg on Thursday night. The 19-year-old came off the bench to score an 88th-minute winner, completing a remarkable comeback for Villa after they had trailed by two goals earlier in the match.
A Moment to Remember for Jimoh-Aloba
Jimoh-Aloba, making only his sixth professional appearance, turned in Kadan Young's cross from the right to secure a memorable victory. This crucial goal capped a dramatic turnaround, with Rogers and Tyrone Mings having earlier levelled the score with just 15 minutes remaining. The teenager's decisive contribution ensured the match will be a cherished memory in his burgeoning career.
Rogers' Insightful Praise for the Youngster
Rogers, who himself won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2025 and is still only 23, spoke highly of Jimoh-Aloba's potential and character in a post-match interview with BBC Sport. "It's a really nice moment for him, he works hard in training and gives his all," Rogers stated. He acknowledged that while the teenager can sometimes appear shy or nervous, his quality is evident during training sessions.
"We know he's got the ability, it's about applying himself," Rogers continued. "I knew he was locked in and engaged and that's what we want from him. Sometimes he can get a bit disengaged, that's where you can probably lose it." Drawing from his own experiences, Rogers added: "As a young player I was exactly the same, when you get older you are focused more. He was focused the moment he came on and it was a really nice moment for him."
A Bright Future Ahead
Rogers' admiration for Jimoh-Aloba was clear as he expressed his fondness for the young attacker. "I've taken a shine to him, he's a really nice kid and we like when we train with him and want him to do well," he said. This performance builds on Jimoh-Aloba's previous success, having also scored for Villa in last season's FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City.
Despite speculation about a potential loan return to West Brom before Monday's deadline, Jimoh-Aloba's display against Salzburg has highlighted his significant potential. With Rogers' mentorship and his own evident talent, the teenager appears poised for a promising future in professional football, potentially saving Aston Villa millions in transfer fees by developing homegrown talent.
