Aston Villa star Jhon Duran struck a brilliant winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League (Image: Getty)
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, 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.”
Morgan Rogers excelled in Aston Villa’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich (Image: Getty)
The former 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.”