Unai Emery reveals his specific Aston Villa target for Morgan Rogers

Rogers scored his fifth Premier League goal of the campaign in last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Manchester City while he has set up three more for team-mates.

Emery has urged the 22-year-old to keep pushing after setting him a very specific target for the months ahead.

He said: “He is young and his potential is to try to get those numbers in the present or future. 

“Of course, my demand for him is to get it.

“We need players in the attacking third to get double numbers – 10 (goals)-10 (assists), 11-11 hopefully! Morgan, after speaking with me, has the challenge to get it.”

Emery explained how he had given Leon Bailey, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey the same target as Villa again try to challenge for a top-four finish and added: “Collectively we can be close to our target if they are getting it.” 

Rogers achieved the feat of 10 goals and 10 assists across all competitions last season, though the majority of those were recorded for Middlesbrough before he moved to Villa in January for an initial £8million.

The Albion academy product has gone on to establish himself as a vital member of Emery’s team and last month made his senior England debut.

Emery said: “Morgan is very important for us. I need his performance every match we are playing – with different objectives. 

“Sometimes as a 10, sometimes on the left, assists, goals, try to connect our midfield and attack. 

“He has a lot of responsibility in my idea and style and I’m trying to push him a lot. I’m very happy with him but I want more from him.”