Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has revealed he was stunned to learn that Champions League hero Jhon Duran was only 20 when the attacking midfielder joined from Middlesbrough in January. Super-sub Duran scored a brilliant late winner to seal a memorable 1-0 triumph over European heavyweights Bayern Munich.
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, having enjoyed his birthday the month before.
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.”
Duran has scored five of his six goals this season after coming on as a substitute, having scored only eight goals last term. Ollie Watkins continues to be Unai Emery’s first-choice centre-forward.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez said of Duran: “He came back with a different mentality this season. He’s willing to work hard, he’s pushing Ollie all the way, they can play together he’s a super sub, the first time he touched the ball, he lobbed Neuer, one of the best goals in history.”