It’s no secret, Bukayo Saka has been managing an Achilles injury in the US and it’s cost him game time.
The Arsenal star hasn’t been anywhere near his best and Noni Madueke, his Arsenal deputy, has had to step in for the most part. But Madueke hasn’t exactly shone, he’s been very hit and miss, and it’s intriguing to see Rogers brought in tonight.
It was the Villa man’s shot that led to Bellingham’s winner on Saturday, and he’s a big powerful unit who won’t stay as wide as either of his Arsenal counterparts, but will come into central areas to help out, and can be devastating driving forwards in transition.
Tuchel is gearing up for a real physical battle in midfield, and Rogers’ presence will help Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham, because Argentina will have four – even five with Messi – in there at times. Rogers ability to do that will allow Bellingham to stay closer to Harry Kane too, rather than being dragged into deeper areas.
It’s an intriguing addition into tonight’s melting pot – and keeps Saka, who did look sharp after coming on against Norway, as one of Tuchel’s ‘finishers’