Emery's Challenge to Rising Star Rogers
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has issued a direct challenge to attacker Morgan Rogers, urging the 23-year-old to sharpen his effectiveness in the final third of the pitch. This comes despite Rogers currently boasting the joint-most goal contributions in the Villa squad this season.
Strong Form Amidst Demands for Improvement
Rogers has registered an impressive three goals and four assists across Villa's opening 18 matches of the campaign. After a difficult start where he struggled to replicate his form from the previous season, the England international has hit a rich vein of form under Emery's guidance.
His recent performances have been particularly notable. Rogers scored a stunning opener in Villa's 2-1 victory over Tottenham last month, following assists in the prior league matches against Fulham and Burnley. He then delivered a match-winning brace in the 2-1 win against Leeds United at Elland Road, a result that propelled Villa into the Premier League's top four.
The Path to Greater Consistency
Despite this excellent output, Emery remains demanding. After Rogers started in Villa's match against BSC Young Boys, the manager outlined specific areas for development.
"Always, my objective with the players is to analyse what they are doing well, but be demanding to improve things," Emery told TNT Sports. "He has things to improve. More ruthless in the attacking third, choose better the last passes and play in combination in the attacking third. He can get better."
This drive for improvement is set against the high benchmark Rogers set himself last term, where he achieved a remarkable 27 goal involvements (14 goals, 13 assists). Emery has already predicted that the talented forward will once again reach double figures for both goals and assists this season, showing the faith he has in Rogers' potential.
