MORGAN ROGERS says it has been a “struggle” to reach the top but he is now determined to stay there.
Rogers was on Manchester City’s books as a teenager and played through all the England age groups, although he found it difficult to realise his full potential.
The Aston Villa playmaker admitted he did not always believe in his own ability, and had to take a step down with Middlesbrough before becoming a top-flight star.
Rogers believes he has “gone up a level” as Villa have reached the Champions League quarter-finals, and he is now hungry to make his mark with England.
He said: “It’s been a bit of a struggle to get here.
“I’m a person who needs confidence given to me from a manager. I’ve learned you're not always going to get it so you've got to find it within yourself.
“The last two managers I've had I've taken that next step and got that next level of confidence.
“I've unlocked that bit within myself to be more consistent and perform on a regular basis at a higher level.
“Everyone's journey is different, mine's been up and down, left and right. I've been through quite a bit already - I wouldn't change it because I think I needed it.
“Some people don't need it. They can go straight to the top and fit in at a big club in the Premier League straight away and just excel.
“I felt when I was younger I needed experience. I needed games in the EFL to mould me and improve me. I needed to find out about myself as a person and player to get where I am now.”
Rogers has been superb for Villa this term, shining in the Premier League and loving the Champions League.
The 22-year-old said: “It’s just the pinnacle of football at club level. The noise, the music when it gets playing, it gives you goosebumps.
“The games I've managed to play and because we've done so well it's just added to that. I...
Rogers was on Manchester City’s books as a teenager and played through all the England age groups, although he found it difficult to realise his full potential.
The Aston Villa playmaker admitted he did not always believe in his own ability, and had to take a step down with Middlesbrough before becoming a top-flight star.
Rogers believes he has “gone up a level” as Villa have reached the Champions League quarter-finals, and he is now hungry to make his mark with England.
He said: “It’s been a bit of a struggle to get here.
“I’m a person who needs confidence given to me from a manager. I’ve learned you're not always going to get it so you've got to find it within yourself.
“The last two managers I've had I've taken that next step and got that next level of confidence.
“I've unlocked that bit within myself to be more consistent and perform on a regular basis at a higher level.
“Everyone's journey is different, mine's been up and down, left and right. I've been through quite a bit already - I wouldn't change it because I think I needed it.
“Some people don't need it. They can go straight to the top and fit in at a big club in the Premier League straight away and just excel.
“I felt when I was younger I needed experience. I needed games in the EFL to mould me and improve me. I needed to find out about myself as a person and player to get where I am now.”
Rogers has been superb for Villa this term, shining in the Premier League and loving the Champions League.
The 22-year-old said: “It’s just the pinnacle of football at club level. The noise, the music when it gets playing, it gives you goosebumps.
“The games I've managed to play and because we've done so well it's just added to that. I...
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Daily Express (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 20, 2025