John McGinn, Aston Villa, Steve Clarke, Scotland
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Fri 21 March 2025 17:10, UK
Aston Villa star John McGinn is a popular figure for club and country and he continued to impress as Scotland beat Greece in the UEFA Nations League.
The midfielder played the entire 90 minutes on the right wing as Scotland won 1-0 in Greece courtesy of a Scott McTominay penalty in the first half and the Aston Villa star was outstanding on the night.
The 30-year-old was threatening going forward and helped drive Scotland further forward with some strong link-up play, despite a late penalty scare as McGinn was initially penalised for bringing down Kostas Tsimikas.
McGinn’s contribution to his side’s victory was praised during the game, and we’ve broken down just how influential he was on the night.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa captain, John McGinn (Credit: Imago)
John McGinn’s link-up play praised in Scotland victory
McGinn saw several shots come close on the night as he attempted to hit the back of the net from range, whilst he also helped create openings with his clever movement, and this was highlighted by former Scotland star James McFadden.
Stat John McGinn
Appearances 36
Goals 2
Assists 4
Yellow Cards 6
John McGinn’s stats this season
“It’s lovely link up again between Gilmour, McTominay, and McGinn. As soon as it opens up John McGinn is picking his spot,” McFadden told the BBC during the game.
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Although he did not manage to score, McGinn had an important role to play in the Scotland attack, and his combination work with his fellow forwards is something Unai Emery will have loved to see.
Aston Villa captain John McGinn (credit: Imago)
Aston Villa star John McGinn a creative force for Scotland
McGinn’s performance on the right side saw him create two chances for his teammates, but his long passes were perhaps even more impressive.
The Villa star completed four of his five attempted long balls, as the midfielder switched play with ease to help play Scotland out of pressure.
McGinn was tenacious in the tackle, winning five of his nine ground duels (SofaScore), whilst he kept play ticking with a 91% pass accuracy.
At Villa, McGinn has tended to play a more central role, but despite being forced out wide for Scotland, the midfielder adapted well as one of the senior players in his national team, and helped lead them to victory.
It does seem unlikely that he will play a similar role out wide for Villa though, with Marco Asensio in top form on the right side, but a lack of alternative options meant that he had to adapt to a different role under Steve Clarke for his country.
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