The Aston Villa midfielder is a fan favourite at Villa Park as he continues to deliver for Dean Smith and co.
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has spoken highly of John McGinn in an interview with Sky Sports News, praising the midfielder’s talents and saying his character is what sets him apart.
One of the stars of Villa’s Championship playoff-winning campaign, the 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength in the Premier League this season, pulling the strings in midfield time and time again.
McGinn’s talent is undeniable – indeed, Smith believes he could reach the level of the great Bryan Robson if he continues on his trajectory – but the Villa boss claims that “people sometimes overlook” his attitude and personality, which make him popular in the dressing room and a committed player on the training ground.
“People sometimes overlook that, and that’s what makes him,” Smith told Sky Sports News. “He’s well liked in the dressing room, he’s got a bit of banter about him. He goes out and trains hard, doesn’t train well every time, but trains hard. When he goes out and plays it’s almost like it’s his last game.
“It’s hard to liken him to somebody but when I was growing up one of the best players was Bryan Robson. He could bustle, tackle, score and create – John’s nowhere near that level yet but that’s the way he’s heading as long as he keeps progressing the way he is. He would probably rather me give a Scotsman as a comparison!”
McGinn joined Villa in the summer of 2018 from Scottish club Hibernian for an undisclosed fee which The Guardian has reported to be £2.7million and, from his 57 claret and blue appearances, the £25,000-per-week ace (Spotrac) has scored 10 goals and weighed in with 12 assists (Transfermarkt).
Up next for Villa is Sunday’s Premier League trip to Wolves before McGinn leaves Villa Park on international duty, with Scotland due to play European Qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan this month.
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