Alan Hutton: Steven Gerrard made right decision to name John McGinn Aston Villa captain
We’re delighted to welcome former Scotland defender Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Aston Villa.
Alan Hutton believes that Steven Gerrard did the right thing by naming John McGinn as the Aston Villa captain for the current season.
The Villa boss stripped Tyrone Mings off that role to give the Scotland international an added responsibility along with being one of the team’s better players.
The 27-year-old has matured into a key player for the Birmingham outfit and is one of the first names on the team sheet.
Last season, McGinn played in 35 Premier League games while the campaign before that, he just missed one game from August to May.
Discussing his impact, Hutton exclusively told Villa News, “I think it’s a very good decision. I know him very well. I know what he brings to the party, not only on the pitch but off it as well.
“He’s a valued member of the dressing room. Some of the younger players come up to him for advice.
“He’s now got the experience and for me, he’s going to be a player that plays week in and week out.
“That puts a big question mark on Tyrone Mings.
“I know Gerrard spoke to him and told him to concentrate just on his football but he may not be starting every week.”
Mings currently faces an uncertain future with Gerrard not mincing his words while discussing the England international.
He was an unused substitute on the opening day of the season as Villa suffered a 2-0 defeat against newly-promoted side Bournemouth
In other Aston Villa news, manager Steven Gerrard is very keen to bring Liverpool defender Joe Gomez to the club.