Championship outfit Derby County signed Aberdeen skipper Graeme Shinnie last week – can he make the same impact as John McGinn has at Aston Villa?
Was John McGinn the best signing made by any Championship club during the 2018 summer transfer window?
The likes of Teemu Pukki, Marco Stiepermann and Dean Henderson might have something to say about that, but Aston Villa’s dynamic midfielder has looked worth every penny of his £3 million price tag during a fabulous first season in English football.
The former Hibernian talisman produced eight goals and 12 assists, with his mix of combativeness and class giving Aston Villa a real drive and a presence in the centre of the park. McGinn is one of the main reasons why Villa are on the verge of a second successive play-off final.
But could Derby County have just secured a signing that could be every bit as impressive?
The Rams announced the addition of Graeme Shinnie on a free transfer last week and, according to his former Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes, the Scotland international could be every bit as influential as McGinn south of the border.
“He has been flawless and absolutely fantastic for us. Although it has been with a heavy heart, it has been pretty inevitable for me and we have been preparing for it for a while,” McInnes told the Daily Record.
“I can’t see why he can’t go and impose himself in Derby’s team and dressing room like he’s done here. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t go on and kick on like John McGinn has done.”
Shinnie, who can play in central midfield and at left-back, possesses the same leadership skills and cultured left foot that has seen McGinn stand out so impressively in Aston Villa colours. Only time will tell whether he makes a similar impact in the Championship.
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