A few years ago, during a tough spell, I saw McGinn having a few pints in The Windsor in town. That's how bad his form was and he was in and out of the team at the time. How times have changed.
Emery found the perfect position for him, that's after bringing him on up front in his first game! McGinn really struggled in that mess of a midfield three Gerrard had in place, providing cover to the likes of Cash bombing forward! From memory under Smith he did have a bad injury in his first season but was very much in Grealishs shadow, far from the only one.
He said it earlier in the season, every summer Villa bring in a younger and sexier player to take his place. Every six months, it kicks off here, don't think McGinn makes our best X1 etc - but he keeps proving the doubters wrong. Elite ball retention, decent shot on him, passing has improved beyond recognition but it's his tactical smarts that stand out for me. He knows what is called for in a game. Whether it's a driving run or booting the ball off Elliot Anderson's head. Think he could go onto be a great manager. Either way he surpassed Gareth Barry for me some time ago on in my Villa X1, he's a true Villa legend.
