Aston Villa: Neil Lennon gushes over ‘world-class’ John McGinn in Scotland verdict
The blow of John McGinn’s continued absence for Aston Villa has been brought home by Neil Lennon lauding the midfield ace as “world-class” as he discussed Scotland’s preparations for Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
As one of the first names on Steve Clarke’s teamsheet, the 29-year-old is set to star as the Scots ready themselves for an incredibly difficult Group A, facing Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.
The midfielder has also been a consistent performer under Unai Emery, starting 28 of Villa’s 29 Premier League matches so far.
Speaking via PLZ Soccer on Monday (25 March), Lennon said: “[Andy] Robertson, for me, is a world-class player, [John] McGinn, on his day, can be world-class, and Tierney can be world-class.”
Aston Villa set to miss ‘world-class’ John McGinn for two more matches
McGinn certainly has the potential to be a ‘world-class’ player at Villa Park, having registered eight goals and five assists in all competitions this campaign.
Among midfielders in the top-five European leagues, the 29-year-old ranks in the top 89 percentile for non-penalty goals, the top 82 percentile for shot-creating actions, and the top 98 percentile for successful take-ons. [FBref]
However, the Villa man is not one to shy away from a challenge, picking up seven yellow cards in the Premier League so far, and one step further, picking up a red card against Tottenham.
McGinn only has one other red card to his name during his senior career, being sent off on one occasion during his three-year spell with Hibernian. Nonetheless, he is still serving a three-match suspension.
After missing Villa’s 1-1 draw against West Ham United on Sunday 17 March, the midfielder only has to miss two more league matches before being able to return, which will be highly anticipated by the Villans.
However, the upcoming fixtures might prove difficult without McGinn, coming up against Wolves before a trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City, with Youri Tielemans likely to fill the void in midfield.
Why Unai Emery will miss his midfield sensation in the Premier League
This season, McGinn has managed to maintain an 82 per cent pass completion rate, as well as a 67 per cent dribbling success rate. Both of these are vital to Villa’s style of play, which will definitely be missed against Man City. [FotMob]
In comparison, Tielemans, who will likely be standing in for McGinn, has a slightly better pass completion with 84 per cent but has played 200 minutes fewer. The Belgian’s 53 per cent dribbling success is a huge difference, though. [FotMob]
While Pep Guardiola’s City side are pressing to win the Premier League once again, Villa have proven they have what it takes to claim all three points, winning the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier this season.
McGinn was a key aspect of the victory in December, boasting a 100 per cent dribbling success rate, which helped Villa out of many tight spaces, as well as his 67 per cent tackling rate keeping City away. [FotMob]
There is no doubt that Emery will continue to feel the absence of McGinn, but he certainly has enough talent at his disposal to claim victories against Wolves and Man City without the midfielder.
In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster has shared the likelihood of Villa making a £64million double signing.
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