Aston Villa: Ange Postecoglou delivers honest John McGinn verdict after pub footballer comments

Aston Villa star John McGinn continues to receive unfair treatment by some, but Ange Postecoglou is certain the Scot is a special footballer.

The Villa skipper played a huge role for the Villans last season, helping the club to their first European tournament since 1982.

The 31-year-old has racked up 331 appearances for Villa since joining in August of 2018, earning hero status and possibly even the legend of a B6 legend.

Now, McGinn is in North America with Scotland for this year's World Cup, as he scored the only goal in his nation's opening 1-0 win against Haiti to kickstart their tournament.

However, the Scottish international has been subject to some back-handed comments from Roy Keane recently, who suggested that he can sometimes look like a pub player when not on his A-game.

Thankfully, Postecoglou sees those comments as nonsensical, waxing lyrical for the Villa star after his latest heroics for the Tartan Army.

Ange Postecoglou delivers honest John McGinn verdict

McGinn netted in the 29th minute of Scotland's opening World Cup game against Haiti, proving to be the winning goal of the contest.

It was his 21st goal for his country, but it was his overall performance that also impressed.

The former Hibernian star had a 91 per cent passing accuracy, while creating one chance an

He completed 100 per cent of his dribbles accurately, as he won six of his nine ground duels at a 67 per cent success rate.

He also won five fouls and had a 100 per cent long ball success rate, as Postecoglou has since come to the defence of the Villa skipper, who Unai Emery loves.

Postecoglou said on ITV: “On the touchline when you are coaching, you appreciate just what an effective footballer he is. He uses his body so well to turn you. He does what he does so well & consistently.

"From pub [level] to elite? I rate him really highly. When he was missing from the Villa team, there was a bit missing in their line-up. Emery rates him very highly.”

It's clear where he stands on the comments that Keane made, but the former's stance is fully justified.

McGinn is an elite footballer; these stats prove so

McGinn's impact at Villa last season was unmatched, as he registered an assist in the Europa League final triumph against Freiburg.

He also racked up 17 goal contributions in total, a seven goal improvement on his return in the 2024-25 campaign.

Last season was his highest ever tally for combined goals and assists, and he did it not only in the Premier League, but in Europe too. He may only be getting better right now.

McGin has proved his quality in the Champions League, too, and will continue to silence his doubters moving forward.