Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has revealed that he was stunned to learn suber-sup Jhon Duran was only 20 when the attacking midfielder joined from Middlesbrough in January. Duran scored a brilliant late winner to seal a memorable 1-0 triumph over European heavyweights Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
In a rematch of Villa’s victorious 1982 European Cup final, Duran came off the bench to loop the ball over the onrushing Manuel Neuer with 12 minutes remaining. The Colombian forward has made a habit of scoring as a substitute this season and has made a sensational start to the campaign.
Rogers was also influential for Villa in the match at Villa Park and has enjoyed a steep rise from playing for ‘Boro in the Championship as recently as January. At the time, the 22-year-old was surprised to learn that the extremely physical Duran was only 20.
He told TNT Sports: “When he (Duran) came to the club I didn’t have a clue he was 20. The way he plays, he’s such a handful for defenders. When he comes on with all that energy. He knows he’ll get that chance and backs himself 100 per cent. He’s a great lad.
“Every game is exactly the same. He’s the most chilled, relaxed person I’ve ever met. He’s a different animal when he’s playing.”
During a tight game in which Bayern edged the chances, Duran met a long pass upfield, swivelled and delivered a wonderful finish beyond Neuer. Villa Park was bedlam as it celebrated its first victory in European football’s elite competition in 41 years.
Rogers described the crowd: “Surreal – the atmosphere, the occasion, playing one of the biggest teams in world and competing like this.”
The former Manchester City youngster added of the feeling inside the dressing room: “Wild. Madness. it was a bit crazy but then the manager started talking about Wednesday.”
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