John McGinn has committed his long-term future to Aston Villa by penning down a new four-year contract at the club on Friday.
The 28-year-old joined Aston Villa in 2018 when they were in the Championship and when the news of his contract was announced, his former coach, John Terry praised the midfielder.
Writing in the comments section of Aston Villa’s Instagram post, Terry expressed his delight at working with a player of McGinn’s quality and determination.
“@johnmcginn7, congratulations mate and fully deserved,” said Terry. “What a player and what a guy 💜 As a coach, or manager, or fan, you dream of players like you. Keep going, Ginny.”
‘I don’t think you understand…’
McGinn’s debut campaign in Villa colours saw him win the club’s Player of the Season, after he helped then-Dean Smith’s side earn promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, including winning Man of the Match against Derby County in the play-off final.
A player of a rugged nature, aggressive with and without the ball, outstanding at protecting the ball and someone who can constantly get fans off their seat, the day McGinn heads for the exit door, he will leave a hero.
Perhaps the biggest fan favourite in B6 and one of his side’s best players, this journey can yet go to higher heights for the Scotland international.
Villa going on a European tour…
A journey that started with Villa sitting in the Championship after coming out of a financial hole, is now at a stage where McGinn is going to lead the team out on the European stage.
The job Unai Emery has done in the Midlands has been quite remarkable and one of his success stories has been McGinn himself.
When Steven Gerrard was in the dugout, like he did with many players, he somehow played a part in his captain’s form hitting a massive decline button.
But that’s when Emery walked through the club’s doors in November and McGinn’s form turned on its head, with a number of exceptional performances, including against the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham.
Now the task is to go to the next level and try to push Villa towards winning a trophy, Europe again, or if Emery and Co. can, towards the Champions League.
Whatever happens, the belief inside Villa Park is that even better times are ahead for all.
