Championship Duo Tipped for Premier League Success Like Morgan Rogers
Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes two standout Championship players are on the verge of making a significant impact in the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Hendrie has identified Norwich City’s Borja Sainz and Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz as potential top-flight stars, drawing comparisons to Rogers, who has thrived since his move to Villa in February 2024. Both players have been key performers in the Championship this season, racking up a combined 39 goal contributions.
Sainz and Azaz Poised for Premier League Move
Rogers’ success at Villa Park has once again highlighted the wealth of talent in the Championship. After struggling for game time in loan spells at Bournemouth and Blackpool, Rogers left Manchester City to join Middlesbrough for around £1 million. However, his impressive performances in just six months at the Riverside convinced Villa to bring him back to the top flight in a deal potentially worth £16 million. Since then, he has flourished, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists in 38 Premier League appearances.
Hendrie believes both Sainz and Azaz could follow a similar path. Coincidentally, Azaz and Rogers once shared the pitch during their time at West Bromwich Albion’s academy before briefly reuniting at Middlesbrough.
Speaking to Football League World, Hendrie said:
“It’s always difficult to predict who the next Morgan Rogers will be—someone ready to make the jump from the EFL to the Premier League. But if you look at the standout performers this season, Borja Sainz at Norwich has been outstanding, despite his suspension.”
Hendrie also highlighted other young Championship talents, including Sunderland’s Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, who have impressed this season but may need more time before making the Premier League leap.
Sunderland Youngsters Earn Recognition
While praising Sainz and Azaz as players ready for the next step, Hendrie also acknowledged the potential of Sunderland’s teenage duo, Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham. The pair have played a crucial role in Sunderland’s unexpected push for automatic promotion under Regis Le Bris, making 31 appearances each.
However, Hendrie suggested that Sainz and Azaz, both 24, are more prepared for the demands of Premier League football.
“I really like Sainz—he has that X-factor and plenty of ability. Azaz, too, fits the mold for a Premier League No. 10. At 24, they’re at the right stage in their careers to make the step up,” he added.
With their standout performances in the Championship, both Sainz and Azaz could be next in line for a Premier League breakthrough.
