Agbonlahor verdict on Aston Villa axing John McGinn after key reveal
John McGinn will not be axed from the Aston Villa starting XI despite his faltering form at the beginning of the season, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa's record Premier League goalscorer insisted McGinn is still in Steven Gerrard's best XI but admitted there is now scope to rotate him.
The 27-year-old was named as the club's new captain this summer after Tyrone Mings was stripped of the armband.
However, his form has reflected his side's as they languish down in 17th after winning just one of their opening six Premier League games.
Before this season, Gerrard had only taken McGinn off in two Premier League games but he has been replaced in three of their previous four games this term.
Asked whether the Scotland international's place in the side is under threat, Agbonlahor told Football Insider's Connor Whitley: "I don't think so no.
"With John, we talk about other teams rotating players, why can't Villa?
"There might be games where John McGinn might need to be rotated or given a rest.
"For me, I love him. I love his aggression, I love his style of play. He will know he needs to chip in with more goals.
"But he's definitely a starter in my eyes. If I'm picking the best XI for Aston Villa, I'm picking John McGinn in my midfield.
"There might be a game where he might be rested or rotated and [Douglas] Luiz, [Jacob] Ramsey and [Boubacar] Kamara can play. Then it might be McGinn, Ramsey and Kamara or Luiz, McGinn and Kamara.
"They've got the option now to rotate. Sometimes you don't have to play every game, you can get your rest in and you get more out of the following games after a week off."