In Focus: Villa going McGinn for the kill in European push

When Steven Gerrard was sacked by Aston Villa last October, the Villans had won only two Premier League matches, sitting above the drop zone on goals scored.

But since Unai Emery's appointment, Villa have shot up the table and now find themselves in a skirmish to secure European qualification for next season.

One player who has enjoyed a renaissance under the Basque boss is skipper John McGinn.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Liverpool, we shine the spotlight on the Villa midfielder.

Great Scot

McGinn has proved a versatile option for Emery, best deployed centrally but also able to deputise as both a winger and No10.

On the Scotland international's many skills, the Villa boss said: "In the case of John McGinn, I only wanted to watch him play and show his skills.

"He is every day committed to training and being positive. He's a good player.

"I don't know now if he improves more or less but of course I am very happy because if I am asking if he can play midfielder? Yes. Can you play as a winger? Yes. Can you play as a No10? Of course.

"That is the way and then it is about trying to support him and help him with my experiences."

Creative force

In the final third, McGinn has shone in a Villa shirt this season.

The ex-Hibernian ace has completed the most take-ons of any player in the squad (39), a better tally than even wing wizard Leon Bailey can boast.

When it comes to through-balls completed, only out-and-out playmaker Emiliano Buendia has racked up a superior total for Emery's side.

And McGinn ranks third for final-third passes completed (250), his number making up almost exactly one third of his passes completed overall (763).

Dedicated defender

While his impressive passing metrics complement his goal and three assists in the English top flight this term, McGinn has also done the hard yards off the ball.

No player in Emery's squad has won possession more times in the attacking third this season (24).

The adaptable maestro also ranks third for tackles completed (63), behind Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz.

Silencing critics

McGinn has endured tough times in Birmingham.

Under Gerrard, the Glaswegian's performances came under serious scrutiny, partly due to the fact he was made club captain last summer at Tyrone Mings' expense.

On the turbulent start to the campaign, McGinn said: "It was the most I've ever been questioned. A lot of people doubted whether I could play at this level. Could I be Aston Villa captain?

"The only thing better in football than winning is proving people wrong.

"You have that in the back of your head. You put the wee guy from Clydebank mode on and show them that they are wrong.

"It's something we've all got deep inside us — that we'll fight."

Further silencing his critics with a match-winning performance at Anfield would be his greatest statement of intent yet.

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