John McGinn’s incredible start to the season has saved Aston Villa from being dragged further down the Premier League table, according to club icon Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Unai Emery’s men didn’t score in any of their opening four Premier League fixtures, and it took them until the second half in their fifth game to finally put the ball in the net against 10-man Sunderland, who they ended up drawing against.
Aston Villa’s strong form in the top-flight over the past three seasons appeared to be slipping away without trace, due to a lack of goals and creativity.
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However, John McGinn stood up to the plate when his club needed him the most and that has seen Gabriel Agbonlahor praise him for his efforts.
John McGinn celebrates scoring for Aston Villa against Fulham
Photo by Marc Atkins – AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Gabriel Agbonlahor says John McGinn has been ‘immense’ for Aston Villa
The only goal in Villa’s opening Europa League clash against Bologna came from the Scottish skipper, whilst the decider in a 3-1 win over Fulham just days later got their first win on board in the Premier League.
Another McGinn goal for Aston Villa against Feyenoord marked three goals in as many games for the Scotland international, and they have yet to drop points since his scoring spree after a 2-1 win over recently-promoted Burnley two weeks ago.
And having dragged them from the depths of despair, Agbonlahor praised McGinn for being ‘immense’ and giving manager Unai Emery a helping hand. He said on talkSPORT: “John McGinn has been immense, honestly.
“During the bad run, if you ever want your captain to stand up and show what he’s made of, he really did.
“Some important goals and top performances.”
With the West Midlands club having a perfect record in Europe and sitting just one point from the top half, McGinn will be hoping his teammates join him in helping Villa qualify for a fourth-consecutive continental campaign.
John McGinn with the ball during Aston Villa's Premier League match with Fulham
Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
John McGinn has been one of the Premier League’s best value for money signings
John McGinn had been promising in the Scottish Premiership for Hibs, but nobody could have expected his Villa career to have gone this well.
Joining up with then-manager Steve Bruce for just £3.5million, he helped Villa to promotion to the Premier League before being a starter in their midfield upon a return to the top-flight.
His performance levels have only increased over time, with Micah Richards naming Glasgow-born McGinn as ‘simply brilliant’.
Season Premier League appearances Premier League goal contributions
2019-20 28 6
2020-21 37 9
2021-22 35 7
2022-23 34 4
2023-24 35 11
2024-25 34 5
2025-26 7 1
John McGinn’s Premier League tally for Aston Villa by season
Although Everton and Newcastle were thought to be interested in McGinn for a summer transfer, a move didn’t materialise and now Villa are reaping the rewards of keeping the midfield maestro.
His form has been such that TBR Football revealed that McGinn is in line for a new contract at Aston Villa last month, prior to the departure of sporting director Monchi.
Signing for a mere £3.5million at the age of 23, the former St Mirren star has over 200 Premier League appearances with 18 goals to his name, helping them from relegation to Villa’s Champions League quarter-final where McGinn was named ‘exemplary’ against PSG last season.