Peter Lynch

Tue 28 March 2023 22:14, UK

John McGinn proved his worth once again for Scotland, with the Aston Villa midfielder shining for his nation in their phenomenal 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying victory over Spain on Tuesday (28 March).

Fresh from his goal in the 3-0 win against Cyprus on Saturday (25 March), McGinn once again played a key role as Steve Clarke’s men pulled off an astonishing upset.

Another tireless display from the Aston Villa man resulted in his name being chanted all around Hampden Park upon his substitution in the 83rd minute. He can return to his club with huge confidence following his performances.

Scotland’s love for McGinn was evident before the match had even started, with BBC Scotland journalist Amy Canavan reporting: “As the last of the fans filter in, they are treated to a snazzy lights show as the Scotland team gets yelled out. The biggest cheer? For John McGinn, of course.”

And it didn’t take long for the Scot to get going on the pitch, with BBC Sport reporting in the 14th minute: “Slick play from Scotland as John McGinn holds off his man to release Ryan Christie. The midfielder makes his way to the edge of the box then toe-bashes a shot that skews just wide.”

Shortly after, Sky Sports journalist Mark Benstead commented on McGinn’s “constant” hassling of the Spain defence, saying: “When the Scotland team came out the debate centred on how exactly the midfield would line up. The common consensus was that Christie might play off Dykes with McGinn asked to drop deeper.

“It is perhaps an indication of the confidence and belief in the Scotland camp just now that both players are being asked to push up alongside Dykes.

“Indeed, it has been McGinn who has led the press on the Spanish defence and frankly been a constant pain in the backside to the visitors.”

While Scotland were outperformed in certain statistics like possession and even total shots, it was the home side’s unity and determination that guided them through on the night.

And typifying such determination was McGinn who, according to Aston Villa Statto, had 40 touches, made three passes into the final third, made two clearances, eight recoveries and had a 100% tackle success rate.

Moreover, he won five ground duels and two aerial duels, operating in an attacking midfield role that gradually declined further back the patch as the game went on.

WhoScored also highlighted the player’s class, with McGinn achieving a rating of 7.32 for his display, bettered only by teammates Scott McTominay (8.50), who scored twice, and Andy Robertson (7.44).

McGinn was never too far from the battle against Spain, both on and off the ball in a fiery evening at Hampden Park.
Such fight has been a major part of McGinn’s hugely successful career for club and country, with Emery eager to have as many players like the Scot as possible at Villa in the years to come.

In other Aston Villa news, the club have been urged to cash in on Jaden Philogene amid European transfer interest in the rising star.