John McGinn wows BBC pundit as Unai Emery employs Aston Villa change
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton is impressed by John McGinn’s form since the Aston Villa midfielder moved back into a more central role.
McGinn, 28, had played a lot of matches out wide but a recent injury to Boubacar Kamara forced Unai Emery into changing the Scotland international’s position in the side.
In the last two games, McGinn has played in the middle with Douglas Luiz, helping the Villans secure a point away at West Ham before producing a midfield masterclass in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday (18 March).
McGinn’s form has caught the attention of Hutton, who’s excited to see what the former Hibernian star can do on international duty with Scotland in the coming days.
“McGinn’s been played more in a wider position but I think he’s better in the middle,” ex-Scotland right-back Hutton told Villa News.
“Kamara’s been out injured so McGinn has moved inward.
“McGinn gives that strength to drive teams forward, he’s busy, he’s always around the pitch trying to get forward and making things happen.
“He frees up Jacob Ramsey as well.
“McGinn’s done well so far, he looks stronger than ever and hopefully he can continue that with Scotland.”
Scotland face Cyprus on Saturday (25 March) before taking on Spain on 28 March in their two Euro 2024 qualifiers in this international break.
McGinn has 52 caps for the Scots and has scored in three of his last five appearances for Steve Clarke’s side.
In other Aston Villa news, players could now be fighting for their futures at Villa Park with a mid-table finish all but secured.