"Rogers has taken an incredible step up in this completely new role, he is absolutely outstanding," Thomas Tuchel said after the win over Norway.
Tuchel appeared very pleased with the progress of his attacking midfielder, who came on late in the game and injected new energy into the play and enabled tactical changes to force extra time.
This Wednesday, he could once again make the difference against La Albiceleste. Ready to step up if there’s a lack of efficiency or precision, Ollie Watkins could also cause problems for a goalkeeper he knows all too well in Emiliano Martinez.
Morgan Rogers: a major asset for a rising star
Rogers had a solid season under Unai Emery. With 10 goals and six assists in 37 Premier League matches, and three goals with five assists in the Europa League, he has supported Aston Villa throughout the year.
Yet, he hasn’t really been used in this World Cup. Tuchel has preferred a 4-2-3-1 formation and called on Jude Bellingham instead, so Rogers has only managed to get 90 minutes of play against Panama. But, although competition is fierce, it seems the German coach has found another use for his player.
Usually deployed as a number 10, he was moved to number eight when he came on against Norway. With a different set-up from the start of the match, he was able not only to bring freshness, but also to offer a real alternative in midfield. His impact was immediate, with his shot forcing an error for Bellingham to score the winning goal.
Ready to help his teammates or push them forward, the player is a real wild card when it comes to going all out. And that’s exactly what Tuchel will look to exploit.
If Argentina try to progress through their attacking passing triangle, Rogers can also stop them with his defensive tracking back. A major player in England, he is valued at around £120 million if a club wants to sign him this summer.
Ollie Watkins: the second Kane
Watkins has only played six minutes throughout the World Cup, and that was just against Panama.
The Aston Villa striker may have had a good season at club level (16 goals, 3 assists in 37 PL matches), but he knows he is behind Harry Kane.
As a pure number nine, he has similar qualities to his compatriot. An efficient finisher and a real poacher in the box, the 30-year-old is also strong in the air.
He is even praised for his aerial ability, and can be an important alternative when the opposition defence is tough to unlock. All the more so against a goalkeeper he knows well in Argentina's Martinez.
In great form before the tournament, the Englishman has been left waiting on the bench since it began. The energy he could bring is therefore significant. Especially against a team like Argentina, who have already had to play extra time twice in the knockout stages.
A goal that sends the Three Lions into the World Cup final would also earn him the fans’ acclaim and well-deserved recognition within the squad, much like his winner against the Netherlands at Euro 2024. But for that to happen, he first needs to get on the pitch.