Similarly to so many of his teammates, Aston Villa captain John McGinn continues to flourish under Unai Emery to drive our progress thus far.
In 12 months under the Spanish tactician, Villa have improved, developed and matured into a side with a winning mentality and habit, and that has come from a significant evolution in our playing style as a collective, but also individual improvement from key figures across the squad.
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Over the past year, most players have received plenty of praise for the impact that they’re making in this side. Whether it’s Ollie Watkins’ goalscoring, Douglas Luiz running the show in midfield, or Ezri Konsa stepping up in the absence of Tyrone Mings to lead our backline, they all rightfully earned plaudits, as have so many others.
In fairness, McGinn has been part of that too, such has been the improvement he’s made since Emery was appointed, as he has put a difficult period at the start of last season behind him, and re-established himself as a fundamental figure in the Villa XI, who produces on a consistent basis.
When the Villa captain sets the tone and example with his tenacious, gritty and energetic work defensively, others tend to follow. It gives us a foothold and control in games, and allows us to play the style of football that Emery is implementing.
Now, when you add his technical quality, vision and passing ability to that equation, McGinn has become pivotal in both phases of the game, as he finds pockets of space in central areas in advanced positions to pull the strings and pick apart opposition defences.
We’ve seen it time and time again so far this season, and he’s now starting to make a more consistent impact in front of goal.
Last season, the Scottish international managed just one goal and three assists in 36 appearances. In 19 appearances so far this season, he has five goals and three assists.
Not only that, but in every one of those games that McGinn has a goal involvement in, Villa have won.
That in turn shows just how influential he is, as when he’s on form and able to lead the way, it raises our standard as a team and results in winning football games.
Now, that run will eventually come to an end, but given how McGinn has challenged himself since Emery arrived to be more decisive in the final third and add goal involvements to his game that have been missing for some time, it’s a reward for that hard work and desire to make a bigger impact.
Naturally, it will be a result of the hard work done at the training ground both in terms of his application physically in sessions to be better, but also the learning process alongside the coaching staff to study where he can make that change on the pitch through tactical understanding and awareness, and it’s just one of countless examples where Emery has taken a player to the next level.
It’s hoped McGinn can continue to be this influential, as while his work ethic and influence defensively is recognised and appreciated, it’s the attacking impact he makes that will further drive home just how fundamental he is in this side, having now settled into the role that Emery has assigned to him.
The @JMcGinn7 guide to doubling the lead:
1️⃣ Take a touch
2️⃣ Beat the defender
3️⃣ Find the bottom corner
4️⃣ Hit the McGriddy 🕺— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 12, 2023