Jack Grealish, James Maddison react to John McGinn announcement at Aston Villa
Jack Grealish and James Maddison have reacted to an annoucment on social media from Aston Villa star John McGinn.
The Scotland international played a vital role as Arne Slot‘s side were held to their seventh draw of the Premier League season on Wednesday (19 February), seeing the Villans keep their spot in ninth.
Mohamed Salah, who is out of contract at Liverpool at the end of the season, opened the scoring before Youri Tielemans equalised just nine minutes later.
One of Unai Emery’s biggest stars, Ollie Watkins then gave his side the lead before the half-time break, though Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 61st-minute strike meant the points were shared at Villa Park.
Marcus Rashford also made his first start in Villa colours, impressing on the left flank and causing the opposition defence plenty of problems during his 67 minutes on the pitch.
| John McGinn stats v Liverpool |
| 86 minutes played |
| 88% pass completion (37/42) |
| 1 chance created |
| 62% of ground duels won (5/8) |
| 2 fouls won |
John McGinn reaches impressive landmark against Liverpool
Following the 2-2 draw, McGinn took to Instagram to celebrate a milestone in his professional career, writing: “500 career club appearances! Here’s to 500 more,” with suggestive eyes and a laughing emoji.
Maddison replied: “Achievement, sonnnn,” with a clapping emoji, while former Villa star Grealish simply liked the post.
Conor Hourihane also left a comment of congratulation, as did Tielemans and club legend Gabby Agbonlahor.
Aston Villa star continues to impress in Unai Emery era
Football Insider verdict
Having signed the player for just £3million in the summer of 2018, the Scot is one of the most impressive pieces of business in the Premier League.
268 appearances later and there is no sign of the 30-year-old slowing down, playing a vital role in Villa’s charge in the Champions League and push to climb up the Premier League table.
They even have the chance to succeed in the FA Cup, which has not been a familiar tale at Villa Park in recent years, and the story should continue with Cardiff City up next.
With all of his years of wisdom, the likes of Morgan Rogers are becoming incredible assets for Aston Villa and could go on to have a similar impact for the club under Emery.
It remains to be seen how much longer McGinn will spend with the Villans, but supporters will be crossing their fingers for a few more years of his genius in midfield.