Aston Villa’s academy is among the most underrated talent incubators in English football, consistently producing top-tier players who’ve made waves in the Premier League and beyond.
Over the years, Villa Park has seen the development of numerous homegrown stars who not only contributed significantly to the club but went on to achieve great things in the sport. One of the academy’s shining products is Gareth Barry, who holds the record for the most Premier League appearances in history—a testament to both his talent and durability.
In addition to Barry, Villa has cultivated several other notable players, including defenders Ciaran Clark and Gary Cahill. Both center-backs emerged from Villa’s youth ranks, though Cahill’s career eventually led him to Chelsea, where he enjoyed remarkable success. While Clark spent a substantial part of his career at Villa Park, Cahill’s journey took him further afield. In more recent years, players like Jacob Ramsey have continued the academy’s legacy, embodying Villa’s ethos and becoming a crucial part of the current squad.
However, perhaps the most prominent name to emerge from Aston Villa’s academy is England international Jack Grealish, whose career trajectory has become emblematic of the club’s development prowess.
### Jack Grealish’s Aston Villa Legacy
Before making his historic £100 million transfer to Manchester City in 2021, Jack Grealish rose to prominence at Aston Villa, where he established himself as a fan favorite and a key player. A boyhood Villa supporter, Grealish lived his dream by wearing the famous Claret and Blue jersey, playing a total of 213 matches across the Championship and Premier League. Although he debuted in the 2013/14 season, Grealish became a regular starter only a year later, eventually tallying 32 goals and 41 assists during his time at the club.
Grealish had three standout seasons with Villa that will be remembered by fans for years to come. In the 2018/19 season, he was instrumental in the club’s promotion back to the Premier League, recording six goals and six assists across 32 Championship games and helping Villa secure victory in the playoff final. His leadership and skill on the field were crucial in returning the team to England’s top tier. Over the next two seasons, Grealish continued to be a standout player, helping Villa maintain their place in the Premier League despite challenging circumstances.
In 2019/20, Grealish notched 14 goal contributions in 36 appearances, while in the following season, he was even more prolific, recording 16 goal involvements in just 26 games. His performances helped solidify Villa’s place in the league, laying the groundwork for the team’s upward trajectory. Since his departure, Aston Villa has continued to grow, even reaching the Champions League this season. Grealish’s move to Manchester City, meanwhile, has allowed him to achieve new heights, including winning three Premier League titles and playing a role in City’s treble-winning season.
Despite the record-breaking transfer, Grealish’s legacy at Villa Park remains intact. The club’s biggest sale to date, Grealish’s move paved the way for Villa’s current financial strength and laid the foundation for future talent. Now, the spotlight has shifted to another promising young player who could well surpass Grealish’s record-breaking transfer fee.
### Morgan Rogers: Aston Villa’s Next Big Transfer Star
Morgan Rogers has emerged as a player who could follow in Grealish’s footsteps, potentially becoming Villa’s next big sale. At just 22 years old, the English U21 international has been a revelation for Aston Villa this season under the guidance of manager Unai Emery. Rogers, who joined Villa from Middlesbrough in February for a reported £8 million upfront (a fee that could rise to £16 million), has quickly established himself as a mainstay in the squad.
Since the start of the season, Rogers has made an impressive impact, contributing two goals and two assists across nine appearances. This consistent performance has earned him a starting role in both Premier League and Champions League fixtures, with a notable assist in his European debut against Bologna. His confidence and flair have drawn praise from former Villa player Tony Cascarino, who likened Rogers to Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala. Cascarino highlighted Rogers’ ability to drive forward, create opportunities, and unsettle defenders, comparing his style to that of Musiala, a rising star in German football.
Like Musiala, Rogers possesses exceptional dribbling skills that make him a formidable presence on the pitch. His ability to maneuver through defenses with ease, combined with his powerful carrying skills over long distances, has made him a key player in Villa’s attacking lineup. Statistics from FBref reveal that Rogers averages 3.16 progressive carries per 90 minutes—an impressive figure that slightly outshines Musiala’s average of 2.79 per game.
### Comparing Rogers and Musiala: Dribbling Prowess and Potential Transfer Value
Statistical comparisons between Rogers and Musiala reveal striking similarities in their playing styles, particularly in terms of ball progression and dribbling. Here’s a breakdown of their performance in several key areas:
| Stat (per 90) | Rogers | Musiala |
|—————————–|——–|———|
| Progressive carries | 3.16 | 2.79 |
| Carries into final third | 2.24 | 2.33 |
| Carries into penalty area | 1.05 | 0.70 |
| Take-ons completed | 1.97 | 3.26 |
| Take-on completion rate | 40.5% | 50% |
The term “progressive carry” describes instances where a player advances the ball toward the opposition’s goal by at least ten yards or by carrying it into the penalty area. Rogers’ impressive numbers reflect his direct playing style and his ability to influence the game in meaningful ways. Although his take-on completion rate is slightly lower than Musiala’s, Rogers has shown remarkable promise and adaptability, leading many to believe that he could soon command a substantial transfer fee.
Currently valued at approximately £108 million according to Transfermarkt, Musiala’s market worth could serve as a benchmark for Rogers, whose own value has been estimated at around £80 million by Tim Sherwood. This appraisal hints at Rogers’ potential as Villa’s next high-profile departure, possibly rivaling or even surpassing Grealish’s historic transfer fee. The idea of Rogers as Villa’s next mega-sale reflects the club’s ongoing success in nurturing top-tier talent and could indicate a bright future for the youngster, whether he remains at Villa or takes his talents elsewhere.
### Aston Villa’s Academy Legacy
The journey from Villa’s academy to the top ranks of English football is well-trodden, with Grealish and Rogers representing the club’s past and future successes. Villa’s academy has consistently played a pivotal role in English football, producing talents who’ve shaped the Premier League’s history and continue to influence the modern game. From Barry’s longevity to Grealish’s flair and now Rogers’ rising star, Aston Villa’s youth system remains a hidden gem within the English footballing landscape.
As Rogers continues to develop under Emery’s leadership, Villa fans can look forward to watching his progression. His blend of technical skill, pace, and football intelligence makes him a versatile asset to the team and a nightmare for opposing defenders. If he keeps up his current trajectory, he could indeed be the next big thing out of Villa Park, potentially making headlines in the transfer market and securing his place among the club’s legendary alumni.