View: John McGinn has adapted well to new Aston Villa role
Unai Emery’s reign at Aston Villa has got off to the perfect start with two Premier League wins on the spin against Manchester United and Brighton.
The Spaniard’s tactics in both games have been intriguing with the match at the Amex demonstrating how he wants Villa to be hard to break down. The 50-year-old was content for Brighton to have the ball out wide and restrict their hosts when they tried to get the ball into the box.
Villa were noticeably aggressive at the Amex and John McGinn was utilised in a slightly different role after being used as a substitute in the Villans’ three previous fixtures.
The heat map from above shows how McGinn was being used in a wider position on both flanks, compared to his central midfield role which he usually operates in.
The decision was a masterstroke from Emery, with the 28-year-old excelling defensively. McGinn didn’t give Brighton a moment of peace, harassing and pressuring them at every single opportunity.
McGinn won four out of his five defensive duels and managed three interceptions and four clearances during the 90 minutes (Wyscout). He was in the team to be aggressive and ultimately, that was the reason why the Villans came away victorious from the South Coast.
It looks as if Emery is trying to get the players back to working hard and investing in a winning culture before trying to install a style of play at Villa Park. Tactics and formations can often be overcomplicated and after the poor run of form under Steven Gerrard, has clearly looked at the best short-term way of getting results.
For McGinn, performing so well out of position is a testament to his character after finding himself out of the side. It would not be a surprise to see him play in a slightly wider role in the future after his success at the Amex.
In other news,Ty Bracey would like to see Aston Villa sign Eden Hazard, not getting overexcited.