This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Although Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has attracted considerable interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur in recent transfer windows, another of the club’s star performers could well garner more interest from Premier League eyes in the future too.
Despite Villa’s re-arrival in the top-flight marking a period of considerable inconsistency – with promising wins over Norwich and Brighton mixed alongside three consecutive defeats that have left the club in 18th place – the consistent performances of John McGinn are standing out as a particularly positive aspect of the 2019/20 campaign.
The 19-cap Scotsman has scored three goals and registered two assists in 12 Premier League appearances so far this season, but it is the former Hibernian man’s all-round game that is providing ballast to his case for consideration amongst the Premier League’s best.
McGinn ranks in the top ten for successful dribbles (33) of all players in the Premier League so far in 2019/20 – highlighting his ability to contribute to a high standard.
That puts him above one of the brightest players in the Premier League in James Maddison and only three behind the £72m Nicolas Pepe.
Reports had linked the midfielder with a move to Manchester United in the summer, with Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly an admirer of his playing style and it would be unsurprising if similar links popped up in the future if he maintains the impressive standards that have been set so far in just his first season of top-flight football.
Villa keeping hold of McGinn would be a major coup given the consistently impressive performances over the last two seasons. After all, his stock is surely rising and will continue to do so the longer he performs well in the Premier League. The 25-year-old has amassed a considerable 2.8 shots per game, coupled with 1.3 key passes too.
Not only that, but he was awarded with both the supporters and fans’ Player of the Year in their promotion-winning season from the Championship – and the relentless midfielder could well be destined for an even bigger future than Villa Park.
