Dave Davis: “What’s not to like” About Liverpool-Linked Forward Morgan Rogers | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Villa Duo as Diaz Uncertainty Grows

Liverpool’s pursuit of reinforcements continues to evolve, with fresh transfer links surfacing in Dave Davis’ latest Daily Red podcast for Anfield Index. Davis offered a typically insightful breakdown of how Aston Villa duo Morgan Rogers and Boubacar Kamara have caught the Reds’ eye — while also addressing the uncertain future of Luis Diaz.

Rogers Rising: Versatility and End Product

A player fast becoming the subject of widespread interest is Morgan Rogers. As Davis noted, “No doubt Liverpool like Morgan Rogers. No doubt all the big clubs like Morgan Rogers. In simple terminology: what’s not to like?” At just 22 years old, Rogers has already demonstrated remarkable versatility. Davis detailed how the Villa forward “has played five different positions this season,” adding, “He’s been left, he’s been right… they actually played him once in the false nine.”

Beyond positional fluidity, Rogers’ output has impressed. “He’s got 24 goal contributions at 22 years old — 13 goals, 11 assists,” Davis said. Notably, these numbers come with minimal shot volume. “He’s still getting that many [goals] whilst only averaging 1.82 shots per game,” Davis observed, comparing that to the three-per-game benchmark typically expected of a Liverpool forward.

Despite his enthusiasm, Davis added a note of realism: “Trust me, the chance of this happening are minimal. We need Villa to miss out on Champions League — that would start the ball rolling.”

Photo: IMAGO

Kamara’s Defensive Value Considered

The other Villa name being floated is Boubacar Kamara, who Davis identified as a “more realistic” option. The midfielder’s injury history is a concern — “35 games he missed” — but Davis is encouraged by this season’s progress: “It’s only been six [missed] this season, and he’s going close to 3,000 minutes.”

Analysing Kamara’s metrics, Davis emphasised his strong defensive stats: “Aerials won — 77th percentile. Clearances — 91st. Tackles — 80th. Interceptions — 69th.” Comparing him to current Liverpool man Ryan Gravenberch, Davis said Kamara “outshines Gravenberch in quite a lot of the defensive metrics.”

Importantly, Davis pointed out Villa’s financial pressure. “There was the report that they’re going to look to do a Chelsea — sell their women’s team to help offset FFP issues,” he said. With two years left on Kamara’s contract, Davis speculated, “If Villa don’t get Champions League, surely you fancy Kamara pushes on that one.”

Diaz Linked With Barcelona Exit

One of the most eye-catching stories was Liverpool potentially using Luis Diaz in a player trade with Barcelona. Davis said, “Liverpool to sell Luis Diaz to Barcelona — but a player trade,” while also noting Ronald Araujo as a possible counterpart. However, he was cautious: “I’m not convinced Ronald is one of them. There’s another one we’ve heard, but we’ll save that for the transfer show.”

Photo: IMAGO

Still, the link raises questions. Diaz has delivered “14 goal contributions in the Premier League,” as Davis acknowledged. But the possibility of offloading him may come down to balancing the books and creating space for younger, more versatile profiles — such as Rogers.

What Next?

As Davis summed up in a moment of rare clarity: “If we can get Diaz out and get Morgan Rogers in, I honestly think he can be a next world beater.” Whether Liverpool’s front office sees it the same way remains to be seen, but these targets suggest a strategic evolution under Arne Slot.

Liverpool’s approach to the summer window may be driven not only by opportunity but necessity. With Villa’s Champions League status in flux and Barcelona’s finances under scrutiny, the conditions for movement are brewing. But for now, as Davis put it best: “These are the days, my friend… Drink in all the tears.”