**Morgan Rogers has been one of the standout players of the Premier League season so far, helping Aston Villa both domestically and in the Champions League.**
We sat down with the England international to ask him all about the last 18 months.
_Q: You joined Aston Villa in January 2024 – how did it feel to join a club like Villa?_
**A: “A bit surreal as I looked around the place for the first time, but it’s an honour to be part of this team.”**
_Q: Why did you choose Villa?_
**A: “Obviously the size of the club, first and foremost and the direction the club is going in is positive and something I wanted to be part of. I used to play here as a kid. The facilities are amazing and have changed a lot since then!”**
_Q: You’re a local lad – are you happy to be back in the Midlands?_
**A: “It’s been a few years since I was back home, so it’s nice to be back and around family and friends and playing locally again.”**
_Q: What are your aims as a player?_
**A: “I like to think I’m exciting to watch. I want to create chances and score goals and I want to get fans out of their seats and play with a free spirit.”**
_Q: You can play a number of roles – what’s your favourite position to play in?_
**A: “I’ve always prided myself on the number of positions I can play in; I’ve done that since I was young. I love the game and I know what each position entails. I have the football intelligence to know what’s asked and try to carry it out for the team. Some positions suit more than others, of course, but I’m more than happy to play anywhere – along as I’m on the pitch. That’s the most important thing and always has been.”**
_Q: You and Jude Bellingham – another Midlands lad – are good friends and you call him ‘little bro’ on social media. How did that come about?_
**A: “We got to know each other and he got picked for England in my age group – he was a year below – and we just got closer from there. We’ve been following each other since. I think everyone can see how well he’s doing!”**
_Q: Cole Palmer is one of your best friends in football from your days at man_ _city – he’s doing pretty well, too?_
**A: “Cole is one of the closest people I have in football and in life – some I speak to consistently. When you see him doing so well it makes me happy and he’s showing everyone now what I and others knew he could do two or three years ago and I’m so proud of him. It’s a pleasure to see.”**
_Q: But he took your celebration, didn’t he? The ‘Cold Palmer’ as it’s known?_
**A: “Yeah, he definitely copied it from me! Check the timeline – I did it first!”**
_Q: You’re a Premier League and Champions League player now – it must be an exciting time for you?_
**A: “It’s a dream come true for me, really – these are the competitions you want to play in and dream about when you’re growing up. You want to compete against the best and I’m so grateful and honoured to be given the opportunity to be part of it and now it’s down to me to show what I’m about and that I deserve to be here.”**
_Q: What are your personal targets?_
**A: “I’m still young, I know, but I want to be the best person I can be in my prime years. I back myself and believe in myself. Being an established Premier League player, I think everyone wants that.”**