John McGinn - signed (Captain)

[Bobby Boy]

Definitely a position we can improve on in the Summer. Games are just passing him by this season.

I'm not sure though that we have been using him effectively. The defensive midfielder role that he has played more recently negates his forward energy and drive.

In the first three games this season he had 3 assists and one goal but he hasn't really held that more forward position throughout the season. I'm still a big fan. Having two defensively minded midfielders to create a base is fine but I don't think that SJM should be one of them.

[RamboandBruno]

A busy bee who has lost his sting.

Alas, not top six material.

Don’t agree with this to be honest. He was the one trying to drive us forwards last night, he played one sublime 40 yard pass to Trez in the first half, predictably Trez took one touch then tripped over his own feet.

[eamonn]

Is one of those raking balls a game enough ?

[RamboandBruno]

No not in it’s own, but I think he did two or three of them. He seems to me to be having one decent half every game at the moment, but I still think he’s a good player and is being written off in some quarters too early.

[Nelly]

Barkley has some decent moments last night, he also had a fair few mishaps - one Newcastle hit the bar from I think? I don't know if we're looking for a stronger passer in that deep midfield area but I'd play McGinn where Barkley was before anyone else.

[OCD]

I thought he played well first half but went missing in the second half.

[dcdavecollett]

Should have closed down the cross for the equaliser a bit quicker, as well.

[Hookeysmith]

Just like Conor, has been great for us but not good enough for where we want to be.

[Drummond]

Jesus.

Who do we think we are? He may not have hit top form after returning from injury but he's been brilliant for us. Why are people so keen to look for scapegoats and peopel to move on after each poor result or run of games?

McGinn, Mings, Luiz, Konsa, Targett. All players that have been lauded and then vilified and suggested we should do better. How abotu giving them a chance. Look at what Targett is producing, look what Konsa is doing. See how good the others have been. We're not Champions League regulars, we're in our second season back in the Premier League.

It seems that a couple of poor performances can ruin a player on here, despite what potential they show and however many good performances they may have delivered before.

We're trying new things, players in different positions, let's see how it works, see how they develop before writing them off. McGinn is 26 and the best is yet to come.

[ChicagoLion]

Not sure why SJM is being singled out, there has been a lack of end product with his final pass, he has faded but that is due to him trying too hard.
I think the midfield structure is wrong which gets shown up with Jack out the team.

[OCD]

I think there is a middle ground and that would be bringing someone in so that SJM is no longer guaranteed a starting place regardless of form. Add more competition to the squad and make players earn or retain their place in the team.

[Moonraker]

Couldnt agree with you more Drummond.

[ROBBO]

I think SJM is like quite a few Villa players, they need one or two more JGs in the side to be more effective. We saw at the start of the season how well they can play but we have so few quality options that when you lose your one player of genuine brilliance it really has a dramatic effect on confidence, that's why this summer trading period is vital.

[West Derby Villan]

In total agreement Drummond

[Clampy]

Absolutely spot on Drummond.