John McGinn is enjoying some new-found freedom to push forward for Aston Villa – a move that has seen him log some impressive attacking stats this season.
John McGinn said: “It’s certainly a different way of getting used to [the new formation], but in midfield, it doesn’t really change too much for us. It does give you a bit more licence to go forward now there’s more defenders on the park, but a big part in us having freedom to play is how well Douglas is playing at the moment. You can speak about how I’m playing at the minute, but Douglas has found another level himself. If we can keep playing the way we are and get other boys fit and firing, we can certainly get more positive results this season. But Douglas has been brilliant to play alongside and when you have someone like him behind you, you can attack knowing he’s going to be there to cover for you. Whether that’s a back four or a back three, I’m sure having Douglas beside me certainly helps.”
The lively midfielder ranks second for goals scored, shots and tackles in the squad, and he tops the table for final-third passes attempted and completed, as well as completed crosses. McGinn puts his success down to a combination of the formation change that has seen Villa boss Dean Smith deploy three at the back, and the form of Douglas Luiz who has given him licence to thrill.
