Can Morgan Rogers propel Aston Villa into a title challenge and claim England’s No 10 role?

Jamie Carragher believes Morgan Rogers has the potential to become the driving force behind Aston Villa’s remarkable Premier League campaign and even push the club into genuine title contention. The former Liverpool defender also feels the 23-year-old could mount a serious challenge to Jude Bellingham for a place in England’s starting XI at the World Cup.

Rogers struck twice — including a spectacular winner from 25 yards — as Villa overturned a deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory away at West Ham. The result left Unai Emery’s side just three points adrift of league leaders Arsenal and firmly entrenched among the Premier League’s frontrunners.

The England international has now registered five goals and three assists in 16 league appearances this season. Carragher labelled him “something special” after his outstanding display at the London Stadium helped Villa claim their 10th win in 11 matches.

“The transformation from what we saw in the opening weeks of the season has been dramatic — it’s been night and day,” Carragher said.

“We often return to the manager, and rightly so. When you examine his CV and what he’s achieved throughout his career, I genuinely believe only Pep Guardiola can be considered ahead of Unai Emery in the Premier League right now.

“There are many excellent managers in the league, but Emery’s résumé is outstanding and the work he’s done at Villa has been exceptional.”

He added: “But Morgan Rogers really is something special.

“He’s one of those players who seems to have appeared out of nowhere,” Carragher continued.

“They brought him in from Middlesbrough for a relatively modest fee, and he’s gone from being one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents — which he already was last season — to looking like one of the very best players in the division.

“That could be decisive if Aston Villa truly believe they can challenge for the title, or even go on to win it.”

Can Rogers carry Villa into a title race?

After failing to win any of their opening five matches, Aston Villa are now enjoying their best run in over a century. Their dramatic comeback in east London has kept them firmly in the title conversation alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

While Carragher stops short of predicting that Emery’s men will be lifting the trophy in May, he believes any slim chance they have may hinge on Rogers’ influence.

Carragher said: “Can Villa win the league? I don’t think they will. But when teams do win titles, they usually have a standout figure. If Manchester City win it, they have Erling Haaland — the best player in the league.

“When I look at Arsenal, I think of Declan Rice. If they go on to win the title, I see him as a strong candidate for Player of the Year.

“But with Aston Villa, who is that individual who could elevate them above everyone else? Who is the player capable of making the difference?

“The one name I keep coming back to is Rogers.

“He’s already won PFA Young Player of the Year. Could he now progress to being PFA Player of the Year and drag Villa right into the heart of a title challenge?”

‘A genuine battle between Bellingham and Rogers for England’s No 10 shirt’

Rogers’ exceptional form has not gone unnoticed at international level, with the midfielder becoming a regular presence in England squads under Thomas Tuchel.

Competition for the No 10 role is fierce, and many expect Jude Bellingham to reclaim the position by the time the World Cup arrives. However, Carragher believes Rogers’ performances mean Bellingham’s place is far from guaranteed.

“Rogers has been one of those players — along with Elliot Anderson — who, over the last six months, people initially saw as bold selections for England,” Carragher said.

“But the longer they stay involved, the more you feel they absolutely belong there.

“What I’d say is that Rogers is competing with arguably our best player right now — Jude Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid. Bellingham featured in the last match, and most people — myself included — would expect him to be starting in that role at the World Cup.

“However, the more I watch Rogers, and I suspect Thomas Tuchel feels the same, the less straightforward that decision becomes.

“This is shaping up to be a real contest between Bellingham and Rogers over who plays in the No 10 position behind Harry Kane for England at the World Cup.

“If Rogers continues to perform at this level, nothing should be taken for granted.”