Darren Bent has told The Kelly & Wrighty Show that Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has “not been the same player” in recent times. The Scottish ace was handed the captain’s armband in the summer, replacing Tyrone Mings.
McGinn, 27, has started all 10 of Villa’s matches this season – as well as starting and finishing Scotland’s three games. The 51-cap Scotland ace, though, is struggling for form. He has failed to lay on a goal or assist in his 10 Villa outings.
On Monday night, he was withdrawn before the 80th minute against Nottingham Forest as Steven Gerrard’s side pushed for a win. McGinn offered little in either box, and although hard-working, his form has certainly dipped.
Ex-Villa striker Bent has picked up on his lack of form and believes the captain’s armband is weighing him down. Gerrard made the surprise decision to strip Mings of the armband in the summer, giving McGinn the responsibility.
“The captaincy has not helped, the commotion. Took it from Mings, and given it to McGinn. I feel like it is weighing McGinn down. He’s not been the same player. It is added pressure, it is not helping the situation,” McGinn said.
Bent: Villa midfielder McGinn has not been the same player
It is a surprise, McGinn’s drop in form. Ever since Villa gained promotion, he has been one of Villa’s most-consistent players – constantly having an impact in attack. The Telegraph said in the summer he is a £40m target for Tottenham.
But this season, something has changed. Perhaps he is tired, given he is playing every possible minute for Villa, too? However, it is hard to overlook that he has been made captain and it is too much of a coincidence not to link the two.
Gerrard cannot go back on his decision now. Mings was stripped of the armband for McGinn and u-turning his decision already would highlight the error of his ways. Perhaps in time, McGinn will learn to wear the armband.
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