Morgan Rogers and the importance of the EFL journey.
A quick trip to St George’s Park yesterday to talk to Morgan Rogers after England training provided further evidence of why the Premier League need the EFL. Pyramid clubs do so much of the heavy lifting of player development that elite clubs benefit from. Judging by the excitement in his eyes and voice, Rogers appreciates his England call even more given his varied pathway.
After a decade in West Brom’s academy, Rogers was taken from the Championship club by Manchester City at 18 and despatched on loan to League One Lincoln City to learn more about his craft. Rogers never played for Manchester City, who eventually sold him to Middlesbrough for £1m. He blossomed at the Championship club and was then bought last January by Aston Villa for £11m. He’s probably worth six or seven times that now. At least Boro negotiated what could be £5m add-ons from Villa, including a bonus for England recognition as well as Champions League appearance (plus there is also a sell-on percentage). Such sums are hugely important for Championship clubs.
Amidst the ongoing debate about how much the Premier League should help out the EFL financially it was instructive to chat to Rogers, appreciate more of his journey, and how important the EFL is. West Brom were vital in the development of the Halesowen-born attacker, not only with the youth coaching but with that first-team chance. Rogers played one game for Albion, against Bruno, Dan Burn and Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup before a starring role in the FA Youth Cup against Manchester City saw Pep Guardiola’s club strike. West Brom were frustrated but the lure of City was too powerful.
Rogers nodded when I mentioned how important his Lincoln loan spell was (he also went to Bournemouth and Blackpool). He scored six times in 25 League One games and matured under Michael Appleton, who knew him from West Brom. He was strong physically, enjoying the physicality of League One, rolling defenders and using his pace to burst through. He learned to seize his opportunity, sitting on the bench at Fratton Park for 70 minutes before coming on and scoring the winner against Portsmouth. He learned to process pressure and disappointment, losing in the play-off final at Wembley to Blackpool, staying strong and going again.
“You probably don’t realise it until you get along the journey how much that was pivotal for me to go out and experience first-team football, to play on a consistent basis, to win games, deal with that pressure,” Rogers said. “That’s helped me to get to where I’ve got to. I learned a lot about myself, how to handle situations, stuff to improve on. It (Lincoln loan) has been a massive part of my journey so far.”
He learned greater flexibility in the EFL. “Growing up and coming through the academy I played more as a winger. When I was in the Championship with Middlesbrough, I got moved more centrally, even played as a striker. I have capability to play in multiple positions. I pride myself that I can change my game to whatever is needed.”