Guardiola misjudged! 23-year-old Rodgers valued at €70 million, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists in the last 12 Premier League matches.

Manchester City's youth system has actually produced numerous talents lately, but because City is a top Premier League powerhouse, many youngsters can't break into the first team and must move on. Guardiola misjudged two of these hidden gems: formerly Chelsea's key attacker Palmer, and currently Aston Villa's offensive core Rodgers. Both came from City's academy and are close friends, having scored many goals and won several championships with City's youth teams. They were originally seen as the best successors to De Bruyne and Gündoğan.

In the 17th round of the Premier League, Aston Villa defeated Manchester United 2-1, achieving their seventh consecutive Premier League win and a 10-match winning streak across all competitions. Aston Villa, coached by Emery, is in sensational form. The 23-year-old English attacking midfielder Rodgers is Emery’s top favorite, valued at €70 million on Transfermarkt. A rising star of the English game, Rodgers is very likely to become the next English player worth €100 million.

In Aston Villa’s last 12 Premier League games, they won 11 matches, with Rodgers starting every game, scoring 7 goals and assisting 3 times.As a midfielder, contributing to 10 goals single-handedly, he is truly Aston Villa’s offensive ace. This Manchester City academy graduate, whom Guardiola underestimated, has now extended his contract with Aston Villa until 2031. The club regards Rodgers as a foundational player for their future. His greatest strength is his versatility in attack — capable of playing both wings and as an attacking midfielder, ready to slot in anywhere. Under Emery’s tactics, he is the all-round gear driving Aston Villa to third place in the Premier League and making them the top favorites to win the Europa Conference League.