Aston Villa’s John McGinn is a nearly world-class player after the events of the last 24 hours.
Alan Hutton, a former Aston Villa full-back, has joined us as an exclusive columnist. Each week, he’ll share his thoughts on the hot topics at Villa Park…
According to Alan Hutton, John McGinn is just outside the category of world-class midfielders.
The Aston Villa midfielder has been in incredible form for both club and country this season, helping Scotland qualify for the 2024 Euros and the Villans climb to fifth in the Premier League standings.
McGinn played all 90 minutes of Scotland’s 2-2 draw with Georgia on Thursday night (16 November), and Hutton believes the former Hibernian star is knocking on the door of the elite players in his position.
“He wouldn’t argue with me if I said it, but is he among the best midfielders in the world?” “No, not the absolute best midfielders,” Hutton explained to Villa News. “But what he gives you is energy, character, goals, pure passion for the game, and a desire to reclaim possession of the ball.” He compensates in various ways.
“He’s probably just outside that conversation, but I believe he’ll only improve under this manager.” So far, that appears to be the case.”
McGinn has five goals and three assists in 19 appearances for Aston Villa this season across all competitions.
He’s also scored twice in Scotland’s Euro qualifying campaign, scoring in both games against Cyprus and wearing the captain’s armband in the tense 2-2 draw away at Georgia on Thursday.
