Aston Villa have gone three games without a win in the Premier League, though they beat Celtic in their conclusive Champions League group game to finish eighth and advance straight to the round-of-16, missing out on the extra qualifying stage.
It’s all going rather well, Villa transformed from the frustrating up-and-down football of Steven Gerrard and Dean Smith. Heading into the deep space of Europe’s elite club competition is a real possibility, and so is qualifying for continental competition for the third successive season through the English top flight.
With progress comes heightened expectation, but so too comes the ability to target bigger names on the transfer front. Villa enjoyed a successful January transfer window, with one name above all others standing out.
Why Aston Villa signed Marcus Rashford
Unai Emery was the defining factor in convincing Marcus Rashford to swap Manchester United’s red shirt for one of a different hue. It is the first time across the England international’s career that he has stepped away from Old Trafford’s authority.
Aged 27, Rashford’s bright career has petered out over the past few years, lacking its one-time enthusiasm and incisiveness in front of goal. A fractious relationship with Ruben Amorim had left the £300k-per-week talent ostracised from the Red Devils first team, last featuring in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest on December 7th.
He’s a wonderful player and determined to return to the free-scoring form of season’s past. Emery can spark this change. If he reaches his bygone top level, Rashford will undoubtedly be one of the Premier League’s standout performers over the coming months.
|
Marcus Rashford – Past 6 Premier League Seasons |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Apps (starts) |
Goals |
Assists |
|
24/25 |
15 (12) |
3 |
1 |
|
23/24 |
33 (26) |
7 |
2 |
|
22/23 |
35 (32) |
17 |
5 |
|
21/22 |
25 (13) |
4 |
2 |
|
20/21 |
37 (33) |
11 |
9 |
|
19/20 |
31 (31) |
17 |
7 |
|
Stats via Transfermarkt |
|||
Would he be Aston Villa’s? It’s an interesting question, especially now that Jhon Duran has left for the riches of Saudi Arabia, signing for Al Nassr in a deal worth £71m.
Donyell Malen will rival Rashford for the hearts of the Villan fanbase, while Ollie Watkins will continue to bang them in from number nine.
Fine forwards all, but it’s Morgan Rogers who may be the cream of Villa Park’s crop.
Morgan Rogers’ season in numbers
Aston Villa signed Rogers from Championship side Middlesbrough for a £15m fee at the end of last year’s winter transfer window, with The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell commenting that he “showed potential that could be refined” from an early age.
It’s been refined and then some. Rogers, who shuffles between the wing and a more central attacking role, adding energy through his frequent dribbles (completing nearly two per game this season) and adding combativeness too, averaging 4.4 successful duels and one tackle per match, as per Sofascore.
Rashford is actually considered Rogers’ most statistically similar player, according to FBref’s data model, with neither player ranking especially highly across ball-carrying and -playing metrics.
Still, speak to any of the Villa legion on matchday and you’ll find that statistics do not define the one-time Manchester City youngster, whose aggression and direct style have led to a focal role in Villa’s season.
Ten goals and five assists across 35 outings makes a neat return for the 22-year-old, but it’s hardly the best descriptor for an influential and layered approach.
Like Rogers, Rashford has that “explosive pace and ability to scare” defenders – as BBC pundit Danny Murphy noted earlier this season – with a crackling stride that, when at his best, serves as a frame-up for fine interlinked team play and powerful finishes.
Scout Antonio Mango has praised Rogers as a “fearless” and “terrific” rising talent, and while he’s still got levels to hit before reaching his full potential, he is both Villa’s present and future. As pundit Stephen Warnock stated, he has been “magnificent” of late.
Rashford could revive his career under Emery’s wing, given that he’s got such a similar profile to Rogers. However, it will take some effort to replace his avid countryman as the Midlands side’s main man.
Related
Their next Coutinho: Aston Villa lining up mega offer after Rashford
Aston Villa are enjoying a flurry of activity to close the January transfer window.
