Forget Scott McTominay: John McGinn is the real Scotland talisman, his full stats speak volumes
John McGinn delivered an all-round excellent performance against Bournemouth on 9 November, delighting Scotland manager Steve Clarke.
Aston Villa were thrilled by McGinn’s contract extension after whispers he could quit the club following summer speculation that had continued into the autumn.
McGinn had been linked with Celtic but opted to stay at Villa Park as he now turns his attention to his nation’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Tartan Army are currently tied with Denmark at the top of Group C, with two wins in their final two matches set to be enough to send them to the World Cup next summer.
McGinn has emerged as the Scotland talisman and potentially even more important than their other feted names, including Serie A sensation Scott McTominay and revitalised Liverpool star Andy Robertson.
McGinn’s Aston Villa tenacity to please Clarke as crunch World Cup deciders edge closer
Aston Villa surprised Bournemouth with a 4-0 victory as Unai Emery stunned his managerial compatriot Andoni Iraola.
The midfield terrier McGinn worked relentlessly to defend the right-hand side, winning seven of his 11 duels and making two recoveries.
Moreover, his pass map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, highlighted his accuracy on the ball.
The Scotsman completed 17 of his 18 passes, as well as delivering three key passes to split apart the Cherries defence.
Whilst it is evident the number seven wasn’t the principal playmaker, his use of his passes in limited and fleeting opportunities reflect his superb precision.
McGinn vital for Scotland making first World Cup appearance in 28 years
The Tartan Army have suffered for nearly three decades without playing in the highly-coveted global tournament, yet that could all change this international break.
The Scots will take on Greece on 15 November before playing a likely group winner decider against the Danes on 18 November in front of Hampden Park.
Clarke will be wanting to get Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998 and beating Denmark on home turf would seal their place in rather emphatic style.
The midfield, in particular, has been the heartbeat for the Tartan Army with the trio of Scott McTominay, McGinn and Lewis Ferguson having the potential to dominate matches.
If Villa‘s number seven can continue his excellent club form on international duty, Clarke’s side will have every chance of qualifying automatically to the World Cup next summer come the end of the break.