'Couldn't get past him' - Aston Villa gem reveals the one Premier League player who gave him nightmares

Aston Villa take on Newcastle United on Saturday as they look to close the gap on the top four. Unai Emery’s side are positioned in 7th place in the Premier League with six fixtures left to play. They are two points off their upcoming opponents in the league.

The Midlands were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday night by PSG. They won 3-2 on the night but were beaten 5-4 on aggregate by the Ligue 1 champions. Emery’s men can take a lot of confidence from their fightback and spirit shown though.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers on toughest opponent

Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers has said Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo has been his toughest opponent so far. The attacker has hailed the midfielder and has admitted he ‘couldn’t get past him’. Speaking to Sky Sports Premier League, he said: “I didn’t play against him (Caicedo) much this year because of positions we played. Last year, played him at home, he’s quick, strong. I’ll be honest, I couldn’t get past him.”

Caicedo, 23, made the move to Stamford Bridge back in 2023 after catching the eye at Brighton and Hove Albion. His current club forked out £100million to land the target in a deal that could rise to £115million with particular add-ons. He has since established himself as a key player for the London outfit and is one of Enzo Maresca’s most prized assets.

Chelsea are currently battling it out with Chelsea for a place in Europe for the next campaign. The Blues are level on 54 points with Emery’s men. They drew 2-2 at home with Ipswich Town last time out and are back in league action with an away trip to Fulham on Sunday.

Aston Villa story so far for Morgan Rogers

Aston Villa signed Rogers back in January 2024 from Middlesbrough and he has since adapted well to life at Villa Park. He has made 47 appearances in all competitions this term, 31 of which have come in the league, and he has scored 17 goals. The player has also picked up four caps for England so far in his career and will be eyeing more down the line under Thomas Tuchel.

The Midlands-born man started out at West Brom before he was snapped up by Manchester City as a youngster. He didn’t play for the first-team at the Etihad Stadium though. The forward was loaned out to Lincoln City, AFC Bournemouth and Blackpool to get some experience under his belt before Boro came calling.

Regarding his manager Emery, Rogers has recently said: “Never a moment’s rest. When you probably least expect it is where he'll catch you out, telling you about yourself. For me personally, I wouldn't change it. It's what you need sometimes, when you've had a few good games, sometimes you might not be as at it, that 1 per cent. He will make sure that 1 per cent is nipped in the bud straight away. He always drags the best out of you.”