Former Liverpool and England defender Phil Thompson believes Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn is exactly the type of player that is needed at Anfield. The Aston Villa skipper has made headlines in recent weeks, first lifting the Europa League trophy, then scoring Scotland's opening goal of the World Cup against Haiti.
McGinn has also seen former Villa assistant boss Roy Keane call him out as a 'pub player', a comment that led to much bemusement in the football world. Anfield legend Thompson is a big fan of McGinn. Speaking about the difficulties his former side have in midfield, he sees the Scot as an ideal solution.
Speaking to Footy Accumulators, Thompson stated: “John McGinn is a player everyone needs. Liverpool don’t have a McGinn in their midfield; someone who demands from others and can give away a needless free-kick as if to say ‘I’m here’.”
“Liverpool don’t have a Jordan Henderson or a James Milner anymore. They need someone like McGinn; he brings so much to that Scotland side. His attitude rubs off on his teammates, and importantly he demands from others,” Thompson added.
As for Keane's comments, Thompson disagrees, stating: “Roy is one of the great players of our time. What was one of his strengths? Influencing games - and not necessarily through skill, but through his passion and commitment to the cause. For Roy to be saying those things about McGinn, I think is very harsh.”
Anyway, hands off, Thommo. The boy is going nowhere!
