Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates with teammate Amadou Onana
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates with teammate Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana believes that the 'sky is the limit' for his Aston Villa teammate and 'starboy' Morgan Rogers after a season in which he truly announced himself at the top table domestically, continentally and internationally.
Playmaker Rogers completed his first full campaign in the Premier League last season having joined Villa in January 2024 from Middlesbrough. He remained an integral part of Unai Emery's starting XI throughout, in all competitions; by the season's end Rogers had racked up 54 appearances as well as making six appearances for England.
The local lad scored 14 goals - including a Champions League hat-trick against Celtic - and produced 15 assists, numbers that have enhanced his reputation no end and have, perhaps inevitably, led to speculation that clubs elsewhere - including Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich - are admirers.
Onana, who only joined Villa last summer himself from Premier League rivals Everton, featured in 33 of those 54 matches alongside Rogers in the Villa midfield last term and has seen up close the England star's qualities. After a groundbreaking first full season in the top flight, Onana has tipped Rogers to progress further next season.
"He deserves all that [the recognition]," Onana told the Inside Scoop podcast. "He's had a tremendous season. He did a double-double, in terms of goals and assists. He's a really talented guy, skilful. I call him starboy, because that's what he is. For him, the sky's the limit. If he keeps his head down and keeps working hard, not much can stop him."
Onana also paid tribute to the unseen contribution behind the scenes made by club captain John McGinn, who ensures that the dressing room remains harmonious and cohesive by keeping players' spirits up. The Belgian has also been left to wonder whether McGinn's exploits on the pitch get the credit they merit.
"He's one of the funniest guys," he added. "He's a big joker, he'd do things in the dressing room. He's a great teammate, a great club captain - he's been at the club about eight years. For me, he doesn't get the flowers he deserves. What John McGinn does on a football pitch, you need that on your team. He's really important to us. We don't even understand the importance of that guy in the dressing room. He keeps everyone together. He's a great guy."
How would you rate Rogers' season at Villa out of ten? Have your say HERE
adidas Aston Villa range - how to get yours!
Aston Villa have announced that they are selling a new range of fashion items that fans are going to be clamouring to get hold of ahead of the new season - including a limited edition of the iconic adidas Samba range.
The Villa colours are displayed on the trainers and they also show off the Villa badge. You can get your pair here
You can also find an adidas DNA hoody which comes in simple Villa colours and a low key traditional adidas design. That can be bought here
The same design can be found on classic adidas track top on offer, this is the type of track top that fans love to wear - that can be bought here
The DNA range continues with a claret and blue t-shirt - found here, and on the training pants which can also be matched with any of the items - they are here
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