West Brom produce PFA Young Player of the Year for the first time ever
West Brom have a storied history of developing talented players through the academy, consistently producing prospects who shine at club and international levels.
Despite financial constraints, the Baggies’ focus on local talent and robust coaching continues to yield players who make significant impacts in the Premier League and beyond.
Ryan Mason will hope to make the most of the West Brom youngsters and help guide the team back to the top flight.
Morgan Rogers becomes first academy product to win PFA Young Player of the Year
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers etched his name into football history by winning the 2024/25 PFA Young Player of the Year award, becoming the first West Brom academy graduate to claim the prestigious honour.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder’s sensational season, marked by 14 goals and 16 assists in 54 appearances, including a Champions League hat-trick against Celtic, earned him the award over strong contenders like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Liam Delap.
This triumph not only highlights Rogers’ meteoric rise but also shines a spotlight on West Brom’s academy as a breeding ground for elite talent.
- Cyrille Regis won the award when he was at West Brom back for the 1978/79 season, but he signed for the club from non-league side Hayes
- Former Baggies players Peter Barnes, Andy Gray and Nicolas Anelka also won the PFA Young Player of the Year award
Born in Halesowen, Rogers moved to the Hawthorns at age seven, quickly establishing himself as a prodigy.
His standout performances in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals in 2019 caught the eye of Manchester City, leading to his departure.
- Rogers made his senior debut for the Hawthorns outfit in February 2019 against Brighton in the FA Cup
Despite limited first-team chances at City, loan spells at Lincoln City, Bournemouth and Blackpool honed his skills, with a notable five goals in Middlesbrough’s EFL Cup semi-final run in 2023/24.
West Brom can take pride in Rogers’ achievement
Joining Aston Villa in February 2024, Rogers flourished under Unai Emery, showcasing physicality, dribbling and tactical intelligence.
West Brom, despite not winning the award through other academy stars like Saido Berahino or Tyler Roberts, can take pride in Rogers’ achievement.
His journey from a Baggies fan to PFA Young Player of the Year underscores the club’s ability to nurture world-class talent, marking a historic milestone for the Hawthorns outfit.
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