Garry Thompson has stated that John McGinn has to be Aston Villa’s Player of the Year

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Aston Villa have won five games on the bounce to move into the Championship play-off places.

BBC Sport pundit Garry Thompson has claimed that John McGinn has to be the club’s Player of the Year this season because he has been ‘different class’.

The 24-year-old was an unknown figure when he moved to Villa Park last summer from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, but he soon became a firm fan favourite for his style of play and non-stop work rate.

Over the weekend, he helped Dean Smith’s side secure a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers by being heavily involved in the opening goal and supplying Tyrone Mings with his header in the second half.

Speaking to BBC Radio West Midlands Football Phone-in, former Villa striker Thompson lauded the qualities of McGinn, who has built a seriously good partnership with Jack Grealish in the middle of the park.

“The fella has been different class,” Thompson told BBC Radio WM. “He had a little spell just before he got suspended where he felt a bit heavy. I think he was doing the work of two men, it caught up with him. He’s come back, new lease of life, fizzing all over the place.

“He summed it up towards the end of the game against Blackburn, he picked the ball up and he ran with it and I think he got a corner in the end. That kid has got serious energy, but he’s got ability as well. He’s creating chances and he’s scored goals. But I think McGinn has to be Player of the Year, he has been superb!”

There is no doubt that McGinn will be up there when the awards are handed out at the end of the season and many supporters will be expecting him to be walking away with something.

Last season, centre-back James Chester was the Fans’ Player of the Season, while winger Albert Adomah walked away with the Players’ Player of the Season award.

During this campaign, the likes of Tammy Abraham, McGinn, Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish will be in contention, but a lot does depend on if Villa earn promotion. If they do then the individual that has the most impact will no doubt shoot straight to the top.