Aston Villa star dropped by Unai Emery labelled ‘big player’ after UEFA Nations League performance. The international break came at the right time for Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s side had lost four in a row and the performances, for large parts, weren’t matching what the fans have been used to in recent times. That’s why Aston Villa needed that reset to refresh and come back in a fortnight for what will be a gruelling winter period.
What hasn’t helped Emery is that several individual players haven’t been at it, either from the get-go or are just blowing hot and cold this season.
In truth, the Villa boss hasn’t turned a blind eye to that and he has previously made it clear that he will drop the big names if they don’t start performing. And that’s exactly what happened in Villa’s defeat to Liverpool, with John McGinn sitting on the bench, but he has managed to bring some much-needed life into his game with Scotland.
Anthony Ralston hails ‘big player’ John McGinn after winning goal for Scotland against Croatia
Step aside Luke Modric because McGinn is in town.
Just like on the domestic circuit, McGinn was on the bench for Scotland’s crucial UEFA Nations League match against Croatia.
But rather than sulk, he came off the bench with less than half an hour left and scored a crucial goal for his country. Celtic defender Anthony Ralston spoke highly of his countryman and how he is a ‘big player’ when donning the Scotland colours, as posted by PLZ Soccer. “He’s a big player,” said Ralston. “And he has been for many years for Scotland.
“I am absolutely delighted for him now he is able to come on and score the winner. And he deserves it.” Aston Villa injuries on international duty
McGinn might have been dropped for Villa’s last game, but he might return to the starting XI by default. The simple reason is that several Villa players have returned to Bodymoor Heath after. either picking up injuries or being an injury concern.
Pau Torres returned from Spain duty, Ian Maatsen dropped out of form the Netherlands U21 squad and Ezri Konsa picked up an injury with England.
But the one that will involve McGinn is Amadou Onana expected to be sidelined for ‘two to three weeks’ after picking up a muscle issue.
This opens the door for McGinn to start when Villa host Crystal Palace after the international break.
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