Ross Barkley sends two-word message to John McGinn after Aston Villa landmark
Ross Barkley sent a two-word message of congratulations to John McGinn as he made his 250th appearance for Aston Villa in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
The 30-year-old was dubbed “one of the best ever” for his exploits with Scotland over the international break, and he continued his scintillating form for Unai Emery.
McGinn would have left Villa Park feeling bittersweet; he assisted Ollie Watkins for the host’s first equaliser but could have secured the three points as Justin Devenny restored Palace’s lead from the resulting counterattack from Youri Tielemans’ missed penalty.
However, Barkley showed his recognition to the captain via Instagram [24 November] as McGinn commemorated his landmark appearance for the Villans.
Barkley said: “Some man.”
John McGinn ran the show for Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
McGinn has oozed class for club and country this term, but his performance on Saturday [23 November] may be one of his most dominant in an Aston Villa shirt.
Emery will undoubtedly begrudge that his side extended the Premier League winless streak to five matches, and in spectacular fashion, no one within Villa Park could have predicted just how costly Tielemans’ penalty miss would be at both ends of the pitch.
However, Villa fought well to salvage a point on the day despite the circumstances and can be glad to add a point to the board, having lost four consecutive outings heading into the international break.
McGinn is proving to be just as, if not more, dangerous in the attacking third of the pitch as he enters the twilight years of his career.
He completed 86 per cent of his passes with three key passes, two big chances created and, of course, the assist for Watkins [Sofascore].
Furthermore, he completed 100 per cent of his long balls and 50 per cent of his crosses as he put on an offensive clinic at Villa Park.
His defensive contributions also matched – he won 55 per cent of his ground duels and 50 per cent of his aerial duels and left no stone unturned in his attempts to find a breakthrough for the Villans.
Although Aston Villa were forced to settle for a share of the spoils, nothing can be taken away from what McGinn produced on the pitch; he is a true role model to this squad and should his teammates follow his example, the tide will turn in Birmingham very soon.
In other Aston Villa news, Monchi is set to use his Spanish connections to sign a Real Madrid ace for Villa.
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