Former Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith has admitted he is 'unbelievably proud' of John McGinn's rise at the club, revealing that the midfielder's qualities are often overlooked due to his unique profile.
McGinn, who captained Villa to Europa League glory last month with a 3-0 victory over Freiburg in Istanbul, joined the club in the summer of 2018. This was just months before Smith took over from Steve Bruce following a difficult start to the club's third season in the Championship.
After playing a key role in Villa's promotion via the play-offs that campaign, McGinn quickly adapted to Premier League life. However, like his teammates, his form dipped during the opening months of the 2022/23 season under Steven Gerrard.
The arrival of Unai Emery galvanised the entire club, including McGinn, who had been made captain just months earlier under Gerrard. Villa went on to qualify for European competition at the end of that season. Since then, McGinn has captained Villa in a European final, two semi-finals, and a Champions League quarter-final, finally securing silverware in May.
Asked how proud he is of McGinn, Smith said: 'Oh, unbelievably well. I saw him doing an interview the other day and he mentioned all of the managers that he has had at Aston Villa since he has been there.'
'He spoke about how each one helped him. Steve Bruce signed him and helped him become an Aston Villa player, I helped him become a Premier League player and Steven Gerrard helped him become a leader and now Unai has taken his game onto the next level.'
'Just the way he talks about the game [is great]. He was never the best trainer, and he never used to like training, but you always knew what you would get from him on a matchday.'
'I think because he has quite a unique running style, I think his qualities could sometimes get overlooked.'
That interview was one McGinn gave following the club's 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest, which sent the club into the Europa League final as they overturned a one-goal deficit from the first leg.
'Steve Bruce made me believe I could compete in England, Dean Smith made me believe I could compete in the Premier League,' the midfielder began. 'Steven Gerrard made me a leader and Unai Emery has made me a much better footballer, and I just feel with the way this club's grown, I feel like I've been able to grow step by step alongside it.'
