Dan Bardell makes ‘Outrageous’ John McGinn admission at Aston Villa
We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Dan Bardell has compared the influence midfielder John McGinn is having on the Aston Villa team this season to when Jack Grealish was at the club.
The Villa captain has featured in every single game during this campaign, helping his side fight for a spot at the top end of the Premier League and secure a place in the knockout rounds of the Europa Conference League.
The Scotland international has taken his game to another level since Unai Emery joined the Villans, playing a crucial role at both ends of the pitch.
Bardell believes there isn’t a more in-form player in the Premier League than the 29-year-old at the moment after he was previously a “little bit lost” before the Spaniard arrived at Villa Park.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “He’s been absolutely fantastic. The heartbeat of the side and a real leader now.
“I think Villa when Jack Grealish played well, you used to know they’d win games when he played well. It’s starting to feel a little bit like that with John McGinn now.
“From minute one against Manchester City, he was doing all the things you want a midfielder to do, in terms of pressing high, winning the ball back, driving with the ball, getting shots off and making passes.
“I don’t see a more in-form player at the moment in the Premier League than John McGinn, I really don’t. That’s an outrageous statement. He’s doing everything you’d want an attacking midfielder to do and I just think he’s been so impressive.
“Unai Emery has improved his game no end. John McGinn was a little bit lost before Unai Emery came in, but Emery’s identified him as a player that’s going to be a pivotal part of this Villa team.”
In other Aston Villa news, a journalist has blasted Garth Crooks for his Villa “fantasy” comments.