Former Birmingham City and Aston Villa striker Kevin Phillips believes that the return of John McGinn for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City would be a ‘massive boost’, as reported on Football Insider.
The Scotsman fractured his ankle in late December during the 3-1 defeat at Villa Park against Southampton.
As reported on BBC Sport, the midfielder was hurt after just seven minutes of the encounter. Phillips said:
We know how important Jack Grealish is to Aston Villa but John McGinn has been a very good player as well this season and he was brilliant last season.
You would have to say getting him back would be a massive bonus for Villa and it would take some of the responsibility off Jack because he has been asked to do everything.
To get McGinn back would be like a new signing.
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Manager Dean Smith has not ruled out a return for the Carabao Cup final, claiming that it is a possibility that McGinn could be fit for the match at Wembley on March 1st.
The 25-year-old has three goals and two assists in 18 Premier League appearances this season (Transfermarkt). However, it is his all-round midfield play which we feel is so important to the team.
As seen on the Premier League’s official website, McGinn has made 525 passes this season, proving that he is a crucial playmaker in the team.
Having McGinn in central midfield provides the team with strength on both sides of the pitch. As well as his attacking prowess, he has also recovered the ball 111 times this term, showing that he is the ultimate box-to-box midfielder.
We feel that’s exactly what the team will need against Pep Guardiola’s men, as breaking quickly on the counter-attack could prove to be crucial at Wembley, so we totally agree with Phillips’ comments.
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