Aston Villa captain John McGinn has praised Unai Emery for his influence since arriving and his ability to continue to teach him how to improve his game.
The 28-year-old was in a difficult spot in the early stages of last season, as while he was struggling to discover his best form, Villa were going through a rough period under Steven Gerrard.
READ MORE: Versatility of key Villa ace adding crucial dynamic for Emery
Question marks were perhaps raised by some at that point as to whether or not he would have a key role to play under Emery as he was dropped prior to his arrival, but the Scottish international has re-established himself as a pivotal figure in our starting XI.
Aside from his tenacity, work ethic and technical ability, McGinn’s versatility has also proven to be crucial having been deployed in various roles under the Spanish tactician, and he has undoubtedly become a key component in Emery’s plans.
While he admits that he isn’t looking forward to turning 29 next week, the Villa captain praised Emery for the influence he has had on his game thus far, as he insists that he is continuously learning more about the game while hopefully taking on board important points that will help him extend his career.
“I’m close to 29 and I’m absolutely devastated by that,” he is quoted as saying by BirminghamLive. “Next week I’m 29 but I’m learning all the time and I am very fortunate to not only learn off brilliant staff but team-mates as well, looking at how the French and Spanish boys operate. I am learning off them.
“I can’t thank the manager enough for the help he’s given me on a daily basis. It’s a lot of hard work, it’s intense but I’m so fortunate to have come into his path. He’s teaching me things I didn’t think I was capable of. It’s a different style of play, taking more touches on the ball, seeing the game differently. It’s bringing me on and I still think I have more to offer and if I can bring that to Scotland then it will be beneficial to both myself and the team.
“I feel as if I have so much more to offer. I look at the likes of Ashley Young still playing, I see how simple he keeps things and how he just keeps churning out the games and that makes me feel a lot better about getting older.
“I feel as if I have 10 more years in me. My aim is to be playing in my old age.”
Those comments on Emery teaching him more about his game and where he can improve echo the sentiments shared by several of his Villa teammates in recent times, including Tyrone Mings who said similar on his improvement and understanding of what it takes to be a top-class centre-half.
It’s clear from our performances and results that the players in the current squad are flourishing both individually and collectively under the Spaniard, and it’s hoped that it continues as we look to become increasingly competitive at the top level.
McGinn remains a driving force in our midfield, and while he would perhaps prefer to play in a settled role, he has insisted that he is happy to be playing and will play where the Villa boss needs him. Hopefully that in turn helps us get to where we want to be as the squad continue to improve and develop under Emery’s guidance.
