The value of John McGinn at Aston Villa cannot be overstated. Being able to have a team have someone who carries the responsibility of the club and does all the little things right while producing on the pitch is something that can be underappreciated.
McGinn can often be seen wearing the captain's armband. Even on the occasions when he isn't, the Scotland international has a leadership role that all recognize. Each team needs certain 'glue guys.' People who can bring everyone together and who help to ensure, from the players' side of things, that the standard is being maintained.
During the run of a campaign, when things do go awry or when the side as a whole starts to drift away and slack off in certain areas, there needs to be someone to recognize it and help to steer the ship back on course.
It also manifests itself when someone is feeling off or there is something personal, not quite right, in a player's life. Having someone like McGinn who maintains a pulse on everyone in the dressing room is invaluable through the marathon of an EPL season.
When it comes to his performances, McGinn is someone who happily gives it his all and would be willing to go for 120 minutes at full speed and all-out effort if asked.
Incredible constant work-rate from Aston Villa skipper
At the end of the day, the Premier League is about who can prove to be the most industrious on the day in many instances. Having McGinn on the squad ensures that Villa, though there will always be matches where it simply isn't meant to be, are competitive and able to be in every game.
A true captain's captain, McGinn is the exact type of player who fits the mold of what Unai Emery is looking for from his players and who will prove to be an absolutely essential player for the 2025-2026 campaign once again.