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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
John McGinn has joked to The Times that he is worth just £5.
What did he say?
The Scotland international had an impressive campaign in the Championship last season, scoring seven goals and providing ten assists as he helped Aston Villa to promotion to the Premier League.
Such was the quality of his displays, Manchester United were reported to be interested in the former Hibernian man in the summer, with a staggering price of £50m mentioned.
Clearly not one for taking life too seriously, the 24-year-old had a rather different valuation of himself in mind. When asked by The Times what he thought his worth was, he jokingly responded: “£5”.
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Just a little bit off…
The McGinn to United link was one of the more bizarre rumours from silly season. Yet to play in England’s top tier at the time, it would be hard to imagine him commanding the Red Devils’ midfield, despite impressing in the second rung of the country’s football pyramid last time out.
However, his performances this season indicate that any team wishing to purchase him may have to get closer to the £50m mark than you might think. Although the Villans have taken a little bit of time to adapt to the top flight, McGinn can not be criticised for his displays.
He has arguably been their best player up until now. In the six appearances he has made, he has two goals and one assist, but his overall contribution has been much more than that. He is an all-action central midfielder, and he has been just as reliable in defence as he has been threatening in attack.
Only Jack Grealish has bettered his 1.3 chances created per match, and no-one more than his 1.8 dribbles per game. In terms of tackles, Marvelous Nakamba is the only Villa man to have more than his 3.7 per match. In fact, that number puts him in the top ten in the league.
Of the five games he missed whilst at the club in the Championship last season, Dean Smith’s team only won two. His importance cannot be understated. Whilst £50m may make the eyes water on first viewing, the qualities McGinn possesses, as well as his relatively young age, means that a substantial offer should be needed to convince Villa to sell.
