Journalists hail ‘fantastic’ John McGinn v Palace

Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday, but John McGinn was one of a few players who could be happy with his efforts over the 90 minutes. The 27-year-old started alongside Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz in midfield and did everything in his power to keep Palace at bay.

No Villa player made more tackles, had more successful dribbles or won more free-kicks than McGinn, so he was more than deserving of praise from journalists. Max Parsons of 90min gave the Scottish international a player rating of 7/10 and said he was ‘fantastic’ defensively.

Ashley Preece of Birmingham Live gave McGinn a player rating of 7/10 and said he was Villa’s ‘standout player’ against Palace. Preece added that the box-to-box player delivered a ‘commanding showing’ and was the one trying to make things happen offensively.

Cole Pettem of 7500 to Holte opted for a player rating of 7.5/10 and said McGinn was a ‘true force’ in midfield. His passing and strength to wrestle back possession was also praised.

Against Palace, the Scot had 73 touches, won one aerial duel, completed 77.1% of his 48 passes, had one shot which hit the target, found a teammate with four of his six long-range balls, made six tackles, had one interception, made two successful dribbles and won six free-kicks.

In other news, journalists say ‘strong’ Lucas Digne was ‘immaculate’ v Crystal Palace