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Can Scotland Midfielder John McGinn Be Next Big Thing In England?

Date: 15th August 2018

From @jmcginn7 via Twitter

Scotland have a rich history of providing the English leagues with plenty of talent.

Maybe not as many Scots have successfully made the switch in the last ten years but after the rise of Andrew Robertson at Liverpool, maybe John McGinn can be the next top Scottish talent that impresses down south.

Any Hibs supporter will tell you that McGinn is a great midfielder, who has plenty of energy and the quality to become a real star in the game.

It seems to have taken the Scotland international just one game to convince Aston Villa fans that The Hibees faithful were right to sing about John’s skill-set.

The twenty-three year old won the man of the match award on his debut, as he helped his new club to a 3-2 victory over Wigan Athletic in his English Championship debut.

In that game, McGinn provided two assists, had four shots at goal, made a tackle, two interceptions, won a header and had an 81% passing success rate. I’m also betting he pretty much covered every blade of grass too.

That kind of all round display, that’s valuable to the team, sums John McGinn up.

You then add to that his two goals he scored for Hibs in his three Europa League appearances for the Edinburgh club, before he completed his move to Birmingham, and you can see that he’s a player that offers a club so much in the engine room. He has the ability and intelligence to take games by the scruff of the neck and help dictate play.

He’s already a mature performer, who is highly ambitious and that has a winning mentality. John also has a terrific work ethic and a player that gives his all for his teammates and the shirt.

It should also be said that while the midfield man is superb on the park, he’s also very much a down to earth lad that has time for the supporters. That’s a fantastic trait for any footballer to have. No one wants a prima donna at their football club. At no time during the summer, when stories were filling the news sites regarding his potential departure, did McGinn ever become moody or demand that Hibs accept bids for him.

His manager at Easter Road, Neil Lennon, was always quick to praise the dynamic midfielder:

“He’s a fantastic footballer. I hope we can keep him but it’s very difficult when a talent like him is playing like he is.”

After his Aston Villa debut, new gaffer Steve Bruce seemed delighted with his latest purchase:

“It’s a smashing debut – he’s going to be a crowd favourite.

“You can understand why. He’s got that bit of something about him when he tackles, it means something to him.

“He’s strong, powerfully built, a fierce competitor and we’re delighted we’ve been able to get him over the line.”

Hopefully this is just the start of John McGinn’s time in England because to be honest Villains, John seems determined to keep on improving and that says a lot about his character.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s playing Premier League football next term, whether it’s with Villa or not I don’t know but he has all the qualities to be a hero for Scotland and shine in the English top flight!

By Scott Johnston (TheFootyblog.net)

Posted in: Latest News