Roy Keane was right to say that John McGinn has been at the forefront of Aston Villa’s success – but branding him a 'pub player' when out of form crosses the line into disrespect. Context is key here. McGinn’s struggles under Steven Gerrard some three-and-a-half years ago were less about his own ability and more a reflection of mismanagement. Since Unai Emery’s arrival, he didn't only recover but thrived – arguably becoming one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League over the past couple of seasons.
A Manager’s Dream
Put simply, Villa would not have finished fourth in the Premier League or lifted European silverware last season without McGinn. He is the beating heart of Emery’s side on the pitch and a driving force in the dressing room – a true captain and a manager’s dream. When Emery was appointed in November 2022, McGinn joked he might need to be called 'Juan' to impress the new boss, yet he retained the captaincy and was given the opportunity to turn his form around.
Difficult Transition
That responsibility had only recently been handed to him after Gerrard controversially stripped Tyrone Mings of the armband. It was not an easy transition. McGinn himself admitted he needed time to grow into the role, particularly as Villa struggled under Gerrard’s leadership. Gerrard, ultimately, was not suited to the job, and McGinn became one of the casualties of that period. Despite being trusted with the captaincy, his performances regressed, hitting a low point when he was jeered by fans at Nottingham Forest – a moment he has since described as his lowest at the club.
Remarkable Resurgence
Emery’s arrival changed everything. From that point on, McGinn’s resurgence has been remarkable, with last season the best of his career. Even when injuries threatened to derail Villa’s momentum – alongside absences for Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans – McGinn returned as the catalyst, lifting his teammates and delivering crucial moments, including a goal against West Ham before the March internationals. Earlier in the campaign, during a difficult start in which Villa failed to win their opening six matches, McGinn provided vital sparks – scoring against Bologna, Fulham, and Feyenoord to inject momentum.
Carrying the Team
Time and again, he carried the team when it mattered most. After seven years in claret and blue, nothing was going to stand between him and silverware. McGinn will never receive the same recognition as Roy Keane did for his stellar career, but he embodies many of the qualities Sir Alex Ferguson prized. And it’s safe to say – even Keane himself wouldn't have had an easy game against McGinn.
