In a recent report, The Athletic revealed that Liverpool are showing real interest in Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn this summer. It is understood that the Reds head coach Jurgen Klopp is a big admirer of the Scotland international’s talents and could move in for him during this summer transfer window (via The Athletic).
McGinn’s Impressive Run Of Form At Villa Park Last Season
McGinn continued to be a top performer for the Villans last season when he produced a series of influential displays at the centre of Dean Smith’s midfield. The 26-year-old banged in three goals and provided six assists in 37 matches for the West Midlands club in the previous campaign across all competitions.
The Scottish sensation made a positive impact at both ends of the pitch as he averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 0.6 clearances, 1.2 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. McGinn has also been tidy with his ball distribution after making 79.4% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
McGinn has taken great strides towards improving himself on the field over the past 12 months, so it is no wonder that Liverpool are interested in securing his services in this off-season. At 26, he is currently playing some of the best football of his playing career, so the Reds can expect to get the best out of him in the coming seasons.
Will McGinn Be The Right Choice For Jurgen Klopp?
McGinn is a hard-working midfielder who can press the opposition well high up the field. He can disrupt the opposition’s rhythm in the game by getting stuck in with a few tackles and has got the hunger to make some crucial interceptions for his side.
The 36-time Scotland international can pull off a few promising dribbles with the ball in the opponent’s half and can chip in by scoring and creating his fair share of goals from midfield. However, McGinn is yet to win a major trophy outside Scotland, so there are some concerns over whether he has the right mindset to succeed at a top club like Liverpool where he will be expected to perform at the top of his game week in week out.
Even then, McGinn has the right work ethic and skill set to succeed playing in Jurgen Klopp’s brand of high-pressing football at Anfield. He could serve as a perfect replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum who is set to leave the Merseyside club at the end of this month. All in all, McGinn will be a decent choice for the Reds ahead of the new campaign as he will undeniably increase competition for places within Klopp’s match-day squad.
