Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was asked about the growing speculation around Morgan Rogers after the 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers(Image: Getty Images)
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Unai Emery insists Morgan Rogers remains focused on Aston Villa despite growing speculation about his future in recent days.
The 23-year-old played a key role in Villa’s opening goal against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, with Murillo turning his cross into his own net. However, Rogers squandered a golden chance to win the game in the second half.
Having also hit the bar in the first half, Rogers has now gone seven Premier League appearances without a goal or assist - his longest such run in the competition.
There is bound to be interest in Villa’s prized asset this summer, especially if he impresses for England at the World Cup. However, Emery does not believe that the increasing attention is affecting his performances for Villa.
“He is focused. He is here with us for two years, and he is being consistent,” Emery said. “He is playing consistently and demanding. As well, he knows how he is getting his progress and how the team needs him playing in different positions.
“He is versatile, playing on the left or in the number 10 as a second striker. He can play good or bad on the left side, or play good or bad in the middle or on the right.
“He, like Watkins, is always focusing on his task. Even not playing brilliantly, he is doing his task. I changed him because Buendia is performing well, and he could respond like he did when we needed him off the bench.”
Emery continued: “He’s doing a fantastic season. He is part of everything offensively because of his quality and attitude. Sometimes he needs some rest because he is playing and playing and playing.
“Today he did a fantastic job and match. Emi Buendia was fantastic for 20 minutes, and this is how we want our structure after playing on Thursday and Sunday. Today, how we played in the position Rogers was in, and then Buendia, it was really fantastic.
Asked if he is feeling fatigued, Emery responded: “He is able to play three matches in a row in one week. He is able to respond at the level we are, because he is doing it. Sometimes he is being clinical or not, or more tired in other matches.
“Today I changed him thinking we needed extra legs through Buendia. I am so happy with how we got the performance on the left side for 90 minutes in the gameplan, with Morgan and Buendia. We threatened the opponent from the left side, with Lucas and Morgan, and Buendia and Maatsen.”
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