John McGinn says he is back to his best and feeling “100%” again, following Aston Villa’s perfect start to the season.
Dean Smith’s side find themselves is a wonderful position after four matches, winning every game, scoring 12 times and conceding just twice. Next up is the visit of Leeds United on Friday night.
McGinn has been a key part of Villa’s success so far, playing all 360 minutes in the Premier League and scoring in the incredible 7-2 win over Liverpool at Villa Park.
Speaking to Villa’s official website, the Scot admitted he feels at the top of his game, having struggled a little for form and fitness earlier in the year:
I knew post-lockdown that criticism would come. I wasn’t going out there to play for myself, I was going out there to try and help Villa stay in the league.
The manager knew that, I knew that and everyone around me knew that I wasn’t going to be anywhere near the player I know I can be.
The main thing at the time was not for me, it was if I could bring 60-70% of what I can be and maybe pop up with a goal or assist.
I spent the summer trying to become pain-free because for a long, long time I was in pain. It’s great to be running around without pain, and I’m loving the fact that I’m back to 100%.
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McGinn is a hugely important part of this in-form Villa side, bringing a lovely balance to the midfield.
The 26-year-old is both classy in possession, making an average of 2.5 key passes per game in the league this season – the joint-second-most in Villa’s squad – but he also excels off the ball, making one tackle and 1.3 interceptions per match.
McGinn’s selflessness in the middle of the park alongside Douglas Luiz allows Ross Barkley, Jack Grealish and the rest of Villa’s attack to play with more freedom, highlighting why he is such a key cog in the machine.
