Scottish media react to Aston Villa star John McGinn's display vs Slovenia

Aston Villa star John McGinn could not help Scotland as they drew 0-0 with Slovenia.

Sebastian Pocognoli named the Villans midfielder in his first starting line-up as Tartan Army boss.

The UEFA Nations League B group clash at Stadion Stozice ended in a stalemate as neither side could break the deadlock.

McGinn earned his 90th cap for his nation, but the man will a storied career on the international stage could not have the desired effect.

He has often been a deciding factor for club and country, however, that was not the case this time around.

His showing has come in for criticism from several media outlets in Scotland for one aspect in particular.

What did Scottish media say about Aston Villa star John McGinn's latest showing?

The national media rated McGinn's showing quite highly but had choice words for his attacking output.

The Herald handed the B6 ace a six out of 10 rating, saying: "So often Scotland’s main man under Clarke, McGinn’s influence on Pocognoli’s first match grew as it progressed. He twice picked out Ure towards the end of the opening 45 minutes as Scotland went into the interval on a high. McGinn drifted into the inside-right channel, linking up with Hickey and later Ben Gannon-Doak. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find the key to unlock a stubborn Slovenian defence.”

The Scotsman also went with a six, saying: “Slotting into the No.10 role slightly higher up the pitch, but largely ineffective in the first half. Sparked the attack that led to Hickey’s chance and picked out Ure for his opportunity. Needs to offer more.”

It was six all around for the Villa star, as the Scottish Sun also gave him that rating, saying: “Aston Villa star was quieter than usual in the number 10 role. Did produce one super ball over the top for a Hickey chance. Led dangerous second half attack but passed when he should have shot.”

While the general rating was fair, as he was rated as one of their better players, the actual words are not, as he was not as bad in attack as they claimed.

Why the criticism of McGinn is far too harsh

The criticism of McGinn is harsh, he tried his best to make things happen going forward.

According to FotMob data, the Villans ace created two chances for his teammates and made four passes into the final third.

If the attackers ahead of him could finish, he may have added an assist or two to his stats in the clash in Ljubljana.

He completed both of his dribble attempts and was accurate with two of his four long balls, for a 50 per cent success rate.

The 31-year-old was fouled six times, which gave his side the chance to regroup.

It is also unjustified due to his impact when his side did not have the ball, as he was a defensive standout.

McGinn made four recoveries in the contest and won eight of the 10 aerial duels that he contested, for an 80 per cent success rate.

Therefore, to say he has to offer more does not seem fair.