Morgan Rogers has been talking up life in the Boro camp and he is clearly loving the new experience.
With Cameron Archer returning to parent club, Aston Villa and last season’s hot-shot striker, Chuba Akpom missing through injury, Middlesbrough have turned to new arrival, Morgan Rogers to fill the void up front in recent friendly matches.
Although the talented 20-year-old is yet to open his account, he was quick to express his delight at joining the Teesside club during an interview broadcast on the club’s website following the 1-0 defeat to Spanish side Real Betis on Saturday.
Speaking of his move to Boro and how big a decision it was, he said, “Yeah, massive. I have honestly loved every second of it, it was the best decision for me, it was the right time, a change of environment was needed for me. I’m ready to go, I’m ready to put my head down and work hard.”
Rogers is not a centre-forward by trade, usually he occupies the left-hand side or is used in an attacking midfield role, but he relishes the opportunity to play in a new position under Michael Carrick.
“I have never played in a team with so much quality behind me,” he said. “In all departments, right back the way back to the defence. Now I just need to be clever and know when to make my runs.”
Rogers – who has gained Championship experience previously on loan to West Brom, Bournemouth and Blackpool – had a chance to score his first goal for his new club, but could only find the onrushing keeper during a first half display that had Betis on the back foot.
That did not dampen his spirit though, and he feels that with the players at Boro’s disposal, chances will continue to arrive. “It is a joy to play with some of these players, you can see the quality on display. They are up there with the best players in the Championship.”
Morgan Rogers loving life since Boro move
Upon the question of how he is enjoying playing as a centre-forward, he added, “I’m loving it, I’ve not played there a whole lot, the players playing behind me are making it a whole lot easier. Now, I have got to show what I’m about, why I’m here and give back in terms of why the club trusted in me, to sign me.”
Even if the final end product is not quite there yet, Boro fans will have been encouraged at the sight of some of the passages of play against Real Betis; a side who finished in sixth place in the Spanish Primera Liga last season. Rogers has integrated very quickly into the way that Carrick expects his side to play and is excited to be playing in a team that loves to attack.
“We showed our style and how we wanted to play and put them on the back foot, which we’re pleased about,” Rogers said. “He (Michael Carrick) allows me to be expressive within the system, that helps a player like me. I can pick up different positions, different pockets on the pitch and try to help and improve the game.”
If Middlesbrough – as expected – make a move for a striker, then Rogers may end up reverting to an attacking midfield position, but for now, he is maintaining a positive outlook playing in that striker role and looks to be enjoying every minute.
“I wish the season was starting tomorrow, if I’m honest.” beamed the former Manchester City man.
Middlesbrough will play two more friendly fixtures against Bradford City and Auxerre before their first Championship game against Millwall at the Riverside on August 5th.
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