In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League defender Alan Hutton was not surprised by Liverpool‘s interest in Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn this summer. Hutton said,
“It’s absolutely brilliant.
“First and foremost, what a guy. On and off the pitch he has that leader mentality.
“On the pitch, he gives 110% every single day. Just look at his run from St Mirren to Hibs then to Villa.
“To make his mark in the way he has is phenomenal. It doesn’t surprise me that teams like Liverpool are watching him.
“Wijnaldum has moved on and he can fill that role, Villa fans are going to hate me but he would fit into that team.
“He high energy and can score goals. He gets around the pitch and he’s mentally tough.
“Walking into a Liverpool team of that size would not phase him one bit.
“I want him to stay at Villa. But it doesn’t surprise me that people like Klopp are looking at him.”
McGinn’s Outstanding Form At Villa Park Last Season
McGinn experienced a fruitful campaign with the Villans recently as he was responsible for producing a handful of influential displays at the centre of Dean Smith’s midfield. The Scottish playmaker participated in 37 matches for the West Midlands side last season, netting three goals and providing six assists on all fronts.
The 26-year-old gave a good account of himself in both halves after he averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 0.6 clearances, 1.2 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game in the 2020-21 Premier League season. He was even careful with his ball distribution based on his pass completion rate of 79.4% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
Should The Reds Move In For McGinn This Summer?
McGinn has got an excellent work ethic as he is not shy of putting in a tireless shift at both ends of the field. He has transformed himself into a tough-tackling box-to-box midfielder who can sense the danger quickly to earn possession back for his team.
The Scotland international can even complete a few energetic dribbles in the opposition half and has got the vision to unlock the opponent’s defence with a decisive pass in the attacking third. Plus, he can also chip in by scoring some important goals for his side up top.
McGinn has already established himself as a productive midfielder in Premier League football, so it makes sense for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to move in for him in this off-season. The 36-time Scotland international will enhance the quality of the Reds’ first XI and could help them challenge for a lot of major trophies in the coming seasons. McGinn ticks all the right boxes in terms of what Klopp demands from his midfielders which makes him a decent target for the Merseyside outfit to consider this summer.
