Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers (Image: Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola has labelled Morgan Rogers an "exceptional player" after he played a key role in Aston Villa's win over Man City.
The former City forward scored and assisted in Villa's win as he rolled the ball across the face of goal for Jhon Duran to score the opener, before bagging in front of the Holte End in the second period.
Rogers joined Villa from Middlesbrough at the start of the year for an initial fee of just £8m, which came a few months after his exit from City in the summer of 2023. He spent four years at the Etihad, but never made a first-team appearance under Guardiola, who was asked why Rogers was sold after full-time at Villa Park.
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“It was a team that won the treble," Guardiola started. "Sometimes it’s the right time to give the [player] a chance. Of course, everyone knows how good is Morgan.
“In that age, at the moment, we have the players we have that allowed us to create the most successful eight years in football history. In our club, comparing in this 35 or 40 days it’s not good.
“Sometimes when they arrive they are three years younger, in that moment there are players in their prime, David Silvas, Bernardos and Riyads and Raheems. Sometimes it’s difficult and that’s the only reason why.
“That situation right now, of course these types of players would be with us but it’s always about the right moment. I’m happy for him as he’s a lovely guy, he exploded last season and this season. He’s an exceptional player.”
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