I’m not sure why, but this has made me smile. BBC pundit and Leeds United matchday commentator Noel Whelan seems to have switched his allegiances a little in recent weeks as he’s now a regular when it comes to giving his thoughts on Aston Villa and he’s tipped Super John McGinn to absolutely ‘smash’ the West Bromwich Albion midfield in our upcoming Play-Off Semi-Final doubleheader.
Speaking to Football Insider in his now regular column, the former Leeds United striker has said he doesn’t believe West Brom will be able to cope with ‘brilliant’ McGinn and he feels that our overall quality will be more than enough to see the Baggies off over the two legged affair.
“I know there is a lot of experience in the West Brom midfield, with the likes of Jake Livermore, Chris Brunt and Stefan Johansen, but I look at the Villa three – McGinn, Conor Hourihane and Jack Grealish – and they have more legs, energy and quality that the three West Brom midfielders. I know Rekeem Harper has made an impact and he may start the play-off games, but Villa look sharper and fitter in that area. They are physical as well. McGinn is a brilliant player and has everything you want in a Championship midfielder – tenacious, creative, scores goals, can pick a pass. Any team in the division would want him. I think West Brom will be smashed in midfield if McGinn plays like he has been.”
There’s one thing McGinn has shown since arriving from Hibernian – consistency – so I guess all that’s left to say is prepare to be ‘smashed’.
Former West Brom Man Hails Villa’s “Wonderful Flair & Balance” As We Head Towards The Play-Offs
