Though the 2023/24 season has only just concluded, one Aston Villa star should already be looking towards pre-season.
Aston Villa secured an impressive fourth-place finish in the Premier League last term, confirming their spot in the 2024/25 Champions League.
Unai Emery saw many of his players hit new heights over the campaign, with next season having the potential to get even better for some.
Though the summer will be focused on international football and the upcoming transfer window, some figures will have their eyes set firmly on pre-season.
Pre-season will be vital for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers
One player who will be eager to get stuck in during Aston Villa’s pre-season is Morgan Rogers, who shone during his first taste of Premier League football at Villa.
Signed by Emery in January from Middlesbrough, not many expected the 21-year-old to thrive at the level he did in the top flight.
Unfortunately, the Englishman’s season was cut short as he was injured two games from the finish line in the league, with there now hope that Rogers will return to such strong form next term.
The work starts soon for the forward, who will target pre-season to assert himself back into Emery’s plans, in what is set to be a decisive period for many talents at Villa Park.
Rogers must pick up where he left off last season
A fast start in the build-up to 2024/25 will be crucial for Rogers and others around the first team at Bodymoor Heath.
While the 21-year-old was signed to add depth to the squad, it was somewhat unexpected that he would become a valued member of the starting XI so quickly.
Bearing in mind that the Manchester City academy graduate found a way into the squad due to an injury crisis, he will hope to continue to secure game time, and not fall behind the scenes when other key players return.
- READ MORE: Who is Morgan Rogers?
On top of some of Emery’s favoured stars being set to reintegrate back into the side, with Emi Buendia being one, there will also be the summer transfer window to worry about.
In the instance that a new arrival was welcomed to Villa Park, Rogers, and others, could find themselves battling added competition, with a new signing likely to become an instant starter.
For all of the elements that could result in the 21-year-old falling back into his role as a squad player, the dynamic forward will also not be too concerned about his stance under Emery, having wowed the boss after his arrival.
Gary Lineker called Morgan Rogers ‘exceptional’ for his early form at Villa, as he made himself a presence unable to be ignored, showing a fearless edge to break into Villa’s favoured XI.
It will be an interesting pre-season for Villa, with many stars returning from injury to add to the competition for starting spots in Emery’s squad.
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