Aston Villa captain John McGinn left many people smiling despite Villa’s pre-season defeat to RB Leipzig.
Unai Emery watched his side suffer their second consecutive defeat of pre-season as Aston Villa lost 2-0 to RB Leipzig.
The Bundesliga side looked to be more ready than the Villans throughout the contest, as Villa fell short to goals courtesy of Andre Silva and Lois Openda.
After the 4-1 defeat to Columbus Crew earlier in the US pre-season tour, supporters in the States had to wait even longer to see a victory but, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Villa fans in attendance.
- READ MORE: Three things spotted in RB Leipzig pre-season defeat that will concern every Aston Villa fan
John McGinn made supporters happy despite Aston Villa’s pre-season defeat to RB Leipzig
The game was far from the standard that fans at Villa Park have become accustomed to, as Emery’s side looked to be lacking a spark in the final third.
Added to that, the squad’s sparse options in defence would have caused worry however, one positive from last season remained evident in the States.
John McGinn’s sparkling personality shone through ahead of the fixture, as the Villa skipper was spotted taking the time to greet the supporters.
The Scotland international was seen high-fiving the mascots in the tunnel, as well as meeting supporters in the stands to take photos and thank them for their support.
It was a heartwarming gesture from the 29-year-old, who proved why he is club captain both on and off the pitch during the Leipzig match.
RB Leipzig friendly was McGinn’s first pre-season appearance
After having a summer to forget at Euro 2024 with Scotland, it was refreshing to see McGinn back in claret and blue.
The captain started on his return to the squad against Leipzig and played with intent as he hoped to impress Emery ahead of the start of the 2024/25.
- READ MORE: Unai Emery will be concerned after what happened in Aston Villa pre-season defeat v RB Leipzig
While McGinn’s spot in the squad seems to be guaranteed, the Scotsman admitted ahead of the fixture that he was motivated to return to the squad after seeing the new signings arrive, via VillaTV.
“When you’re on your break and you sign a couple of players, it gives you a nudge to go, ‘right, out you get, do a run’.”
It was one huge positive to take from the defeat for Villa as McGinn made his return, with hopefully more structure to come into the squad as a result of his presence.
