Ange Postecoglou insists that you can only truly appreciate John McGinn's quality when you are watching from the touchline. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest manager praised the Aston Villa captain on ITV while reviewing the Scotland national team's first World Cup win since 1990.
McGinn's Decisive Goal
McGinn's first-half goal against Haiti proved decisive on Saturday night, as Steve Clarke's side secured a 1-0 victory in Boston. It has been quite the month for McGinn. He helped Villa qualify for the Champions League with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, while also lifting the Europa League in Istanbul.
Keane's Controversial Comment
Roy Keane, the Manchester United legend, previously drew criticism for describing the midfielder as a "pub player" when out of form. Postecoglou joked about this on set before going on to praise McGinn's effectiveness and unique profile.
"On the touchline, when you are coaching, you appreciate just what an effective footballer he is," the Australian said on ITV. "He uses his body so well to turn you. You can give information to players and they are trying to execute, but he does what he does so well and consistently."
Postecoglou's Praise
Asked by Gary Neville how highly he rates him, Postecoglou joked: "From pub to elite? I rate him really highly. When he was missing from the Villa team, there was a bit missing in their line-up. Unai Emery rates him very highly."
Keane then chipped in: "There's no doubt that he is a very, very good player. Absolutely. But this idea that he can be a top, world-class player… he's obviously not at that level. Every club manager will tell you how important he is. He was part of the big moments for Villa at the end of the season."
