Morgan Rogers has been a revelation since his record-breaking £117 million move from Aston Villa to Chelsea. Rogers became the most expensive British player ever this summer, overtaking England teammate Elliot Anderson (£116m).

With four goals and five assists in all competitions, Rogers has become a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge. He is quickly becoming a superstar, and that has already earned recognition outside professional football.

Following his recent rise, Rogers was chosen as one of the cover stars for the November issue of British GQ magazine. The ‘New Blood’ edition recognises homegrown talent making their mark in all walks of life, including sport.

In his interview with GQ magazine, Rogers delved into his upbringing and growth into a Premier League star. He also named three players who inspired him growing up, including two heavily criticised stars who played for Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively.

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Morgan Rogers reveals how Paul Pogba and Mesut Ozil inspired him

Morgan Rogers has excelled alongside Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer in Chelsea’s dynamic front three under Xabi Alonso. Rogers enjoys the licence to play instinctively and be creative rather than fitting into a predetermined system.

“My game is still based on instinct and what I see,” he said. “So if I’m allowed that thought and feeling on the pitch, you’re going to get the best version of me.”

Rogers has always had a soft spot for those players who did things their own way, even if they were heavily criticised. That is why he took inspiration from Paul Pogba, Mesut Ozil and Neymar Jr., three mavericks who played with “spirit and freedom”.

“I liked the fact they’d still go out there and be the same versions of themselves,” Rogers added. “I always used to like the people that people used to hate on because I felt like once they came out and did the same thing again and again, people didn’t like it because it was so easy and effortless to them.”

Although the former Aston Villa forward was inspired by those greats, he is focused on being himself. Rogers prides himself on remaining locked in on playing his way and enjoying himself on the pitch, which ultimately leads to his best performances.

“It’s hard to just be you, because you can get lost in so many different things, with so many people telling you to be them,” said the 24-year-old. “The biggest skill in football is to still be you when everything is going on.”

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Jack Grealish’s influence on Morgan Rogers at Man City

Morgan Rogers joined West Brom’s academy at six before leaving for Manchester City at 17. It was there that he met £100 million superstar Jack Grealish, with whom he built an important relationship.

Grealish mentored Rogers while they were together at City under Pep Guardiola. Rogers never broke through at City, having three loan spells before joining Middlesbrough in 2023, but he still appreciates the time Grealish gave him.

“We had a natural connection,” Rogers said. “People like that are important and influential, because they go through everything you go through.”