It’s incredibly easy this week to talk about Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn’s exploits for Scotland in their last Euro 2020 qualifying clash with San Marino, but in many ways, a day later Tyrone Mings eclipsed our little Meatball’s achievements and in some style as England took on Bulgaria.
https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1183833955608485891
We all know the buildup to the game and the reduced capacity at the Stadium having already been sanctioned for racist abuse, and unfortunately, the Neanderthal’s within their fanbase didn’t disappoint and neither did some of their press or members of their football association in the aftermath of the match.
https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1183851923000217601
We all saw Mings highlight the abuse, talk to the referee and lead by example and his post-game interview was a joy to watch as his maturity and leadership came through – he didn’t appear to be a man making his debut in either his performance or his words.
https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1184154769616752641
Mings has clearly won a lot of opposition fans over with his attitude on the night, but it probably doesn’t come as a surprise to Villa fans as there was a reason we were all desperate to get him back from Bournemouth over the summer, and although he’s still adjusting to the top flight, he hasn’t put many feet wrong so far and he’s more than proving to be worth every penny of the fee we paid – especially with the doubters now seeing how easily he slipped into the back four and performed at international level.
Whilst fans shouldn’t ignore the talking points from the game, as he takes significant praise for that, neither should people forget his performance on the night. He’ll face tougher sides than Bulgaria and he’ll have his bad days as all players do – but could his performance have been better for a debut?
I don’t think it could’ve been really.
Gareth Southgate: “To me, since I have been watching him (Tyrone Mings) for the past 12 months or so, he’s displayed outstanding leadership qualities throughout that time. I thought I would see that (vs Bulgaria) and I did. He’s an impressive young man.” [independent] #avfc pic.twitter.com/ncgmTOShAv
— villareport (@villareport) October 15, 2019
He was wasn’t he
— Regan' (@AvfcRegan) October 14, 2019
An absolute inspiration to all????
— Jay (@jaygallagher11) October 14, 2019
Fair play to mings today, it’s a shame that his debut will be remembered for something it shouldn’t be
— Sean (@_Sean7_) October 14, 2019
????
— Matt E (@mattavfc11) October 14, 2019
I respect this comment a lot
— avfcjames18 (@James74636443) October 14, 2019
hes a bloody good player i gotta say got everything pace and power good on the ball at one point he was dribbling like a winger like the heck???
— Jspurs (@Jspurs3) October 14, 2019
It’s too bad that he’s had to deal with such garbage on his debut. Finally, after everything he’s been through in his career, and that’s what happens. Such a shame. But what a player #kickitout
— Phil Andreani (@Phil_Andreani) October 14, 2019
Yeah Mings is a class act. Carries himself so well. Look comfortable in that team considering the scenario happening around him
— Jack Maulkerson (@JackMaulks) October 14, 2019
I’m a bluenose and I have admired Tyrone Mings previously both as a player and what he does for the homeless. He has truly excelled tonight. Well done Tyrone!
— michael holden (@MoykeH) October 14, 2019
Never been particularly bothered about Tyrone Mings as a player but tonight he has shown what a sensible thoughtful considered young man he is. Conducted his interviews perfectly, led by example stood up to the racists and never put a foot wrong on the pitch. Changed my mind ????
— Nick Spitfire (@nickspitfires) October 14, 2019
Not in a cougar way ????????????????????
— tonyb (@Cornishavfc) October 14, 2019
Such a shame that on a great debut, all the questions are about racist abuse and not about how well he played and integrated into the team. He can cement that spot if he plays next time.
— Rich Allen (@Rich0364) October 14, 2019
He has been amazing from day 1 at our club. Fully deserves all the praise he is getting. Showed everyone what quality he possesses both on and off the pitch. Could be a true legend at Villa ????
— Sheldon (@CS_UTV) October 15, 2019
Previous Article:
Smith Questions Terry’s Training Choices As Villa Return To The Bodymoor Pitches
