Aston Villa are once again represented in the Premier League team of the week, with captain John McGinn being included in the XI.
Following our 3-1 win over Fulham on Sunday, it was expected that we might have contingent in contention, but there is a sole pick from selector Alan Shearer, with our captain the only one to make the cut.
READ MORE: Influential Villa ace proven catalyst for winning games as he thrives under Emery
It’s certainly deserved given he not only got on the scoresheet to double our lead in a crucial moment in the encounter to make a decisive impact, but he was influential throughout with both his defensive and attacking play.
McGinn ended the game with one goal, 54 touches, 73 percent passing accuracy, one key pass, seven of nine dribble attempts being successful, winning 15 of 22 duels while making one tackle and interception apiece.
His performance earned him praise from Villa boss Unai Emery, as the Scottish International took his tally to five goals in 19 appearances so far this season, along with three assists, as his influence in the final third continues to improve under the Spaniard.
“He is himself very demanding,” Emery said of McGinn in his post-match press conference, as quoted by BirminghamLive. “He is competitive and is always ready to play, physically as well. When he is not training and not playing he is resting, but his energy is always full! He is a very good example. He is consistent and is trying to help and to be with us being a good example for other players.
“I appreciate as a person how he is and as a professional he is fantastic. His connection here, his commitment here for a long time for the supporters, Aston Villa and the project, he was coming here in the Championship. He is a player who I really appreciate and I really need to be an example for others.”
Like many of his teammates, McGinn has benefitted from the influence and impact that Emery has had since he was appointed 12 months ago, as despite having to adjust and adapt to a new role, he is excelling on a consistent basis to lead the way in our ongoing progression.
We’ve grown accustomed to his tenacity and work ethic to impose himself on games, and while that is still imperative to how we play, his technical quality and passing has become fundamental in how we break teams down.
In turn, it’s certainly a deserved spot in this week’s Premier League team of the week, but looking at the bigger picture, we’re getting more from our captain, who is often the one to set the tone and standard from midfield, and over the past two seasons when he does have a goal involvement, Villa have gone on to win that game.
With a string of difficult fixtures to come after the international break, we’ll need him and the rest of the squad fully fit and in top form to continue our impressive start to the campaign, and we’ll hopefully continue to see Villa players making the weekly XI on a more consistent basis.
🥁 Introducing… Alan Shearer's Team of the Week!
What do you think of his picks? pic.twitter.com/uLw4FGhjHD
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 13, 2023
Ginny charging through Bassie’s mauling was excellent. He seems to have gotten a bit more stout and is banging players around for fun.
I like the point about getting rest. What is the science of sports resting? Do we need a sleep coach?
Ramsey back = CL
UTV