John McGinn believes Brian Madjo can become a major player for Aston Villa after the 17-year-old announced himself with a remarkable goal against Paris Saint-Germain.
Madjo scored Villa’s equaliser in Wednesday night’s 2-1 UEFA Super Cup defeat, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history.
The striker’s competitive Villa debut had been delayed by a lengthy registration dispute following his January move from Metz, but he wasted little time making an impression once finally given his opportunity.
Villa captain McGinn was particularly impressed and backed the teenager to play an important role for Unai Emery this season.
John McGinn backs Brian Madjo for big Aston Villa role
Speaking after the game, McGinn described Madjo’s performance as “absolutely fantastic” and predicted that the teenager will be “a big player for us this season”.
It was a significant endorsement after Madjo was trusted to lead Villa’s attack against the reigning European champions.
The forward had chances before eventually finding the net shortly before half-time, showing impressive resilience against an experienced PSG defence.
Reuters reported that Madjo’s physical presence caused PSG problems throughout the contest, with the 6ft 4in striker refusing to be discouraged by earlier missed opportunities.
His emergence has been particularly striking given the circumstances surrounding his first months at Villa.
Madjo joined from Metz in January but was unable to represent Villa while the club challenged FIFA’s ruling over his international transfer.
Villa eventually succeeded in their case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, clearing the youngster to play competitive football.
The Guardian reports that Emery had personally pushed for Madjo’s arrival and viewed him as a player capable of becoming part of the first-team squad rather than simply an academy signing.
Tyrone Mings and Matty Cash have also praised the youngster following his long wait for competitive football.
Madjo had already scored five times during pre-season before his historic Super Cup goal. His display against PSG has now provided the clearest indication yet that he could have a meaningful role when Villa’s Premier League campaign begins.
For Emery, the teenager’s emergence could also influence the club’s thinking during the remainder of the transfer window.
