Liverpool will probably be in the market for a new central midfielder this summer as they look to win back the Premier League title from Manchester City.

Obviously Gini Wihnaldum has departed on a free and the Dutchman will be a big miss. Once again the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita endured stop start seasons at Anfield and that has raised question marks surrounding their long term futures at the club.

In recent days the Anfield club have been heavily linked with Aston Villa midfield man John McGinn (Source This Is Anfield).

I don’t doubt McGinn would be a player that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp admires. He is an energetic midfielder and one who can pop up with valuable goals.

While McGinn has started to adapt to life as a holding middle-man at Villa last term, he’s still suited more to the freedom of pushing forward. We know Klopp likes his players to be versatile and to do whatever is necessary for the team and John would fit that mould.

The Glasgow native is at his best when the ball arrives at his feet on a half turn and he can then drive forward. That keeps the opposition on the back foot and it also draws in fouls. 

As previously stated, he has bundles of energy. That can see him cover every blade of grass and use disciplined aggression to put opponents under constant pressure. The midfielder’s passing is also crisp (if sometimes erratic) and those legs can get back and make recoveries too!

John McGinn’s performances were a major factor in Scotland finally getting back to a major tournament. It’s not just Kloppo who is a major fan either, with Scotland captain and Liverpool full-back Andy Roberston revealing in an interview with Four Four Two that McGinn is his son’s favourite player:

“Rocco loves football and now knows a lot of the players. I’d love to say I’m his favourite Scotland player, but I’m not!”

“That, of course, is Super John McGinn. I’m sure most people in Scotland would pick him, so I can’t fault that.”

Andy Robertson

I think John McGinn has all the attributes that would suit Liverpool Football Club. He’s a player, like Robertson, who has never shied away from stepping up and taking opportunities to shine. His previous Premier League experience would be another major tick for Jurgen Klopp.

Yet there seems to be a debate on a potential transfer fee. Early reports claimed the Reds were readying themselves with a £20m offer (Source Daily Record). That won’t be enough to see Villa sell. McGinn is a cult hero at Villa Park, he’s loved by current gaffer Dean Smith and lets not forget that the Scotland international signed a new five year deal back in December 2020!

I’ve got to believe that if Aston Villa were to entertain he notion of selling the twenty-six year old midfielder it won’t be for anything less than double that £20m and it wouldn’t surprise me if they wanted more for one of their star players.

Now would Liverpool want to splash that much on John McGinn? That’s the big question!

Posted on June 23rd, 2021 by scott
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