John McGinn among two Aston Villa stars most transformed by Gerrard after what I’ve seen – Whelan
Aston Villa have the “perfect” midfield duo in John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, was blown away by the pair’s performance in the Villans’ 3-0 win at Elland Road on Thursday (10 March).
Both McGinn, 27, and Ramsey, 20, played the full 90 minutes against the Yorkshire giants.
Steven Gerrard started the pair alongside Douglas Luiz and Philippe Coutinho in a midfield diamond.
Whelan was at Elland Road for Thursday night’s clash.
He admitted while Coutinho has stolen the limelight with his performances, McGinn and Ramsey deserve huge credit for their contributions.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Steven Gerrard has added another dimension to them. He’s got an abundance of quality in the midfield in that midfield area, hasn’t he?
“I think when you look at their shape, their style, the way the play in that midfield area, they’re all competitive. Ramsey’s got an engine, McGinn’s got an engine, they’re both very comfortable on the ball.
“They can drive through into that midfield area to get into attacking positions. I mean, it’s like they have the perfect midfield two, haven’t they? With the added magician of Coutinho, it’s just formidable that midfield.
“I think Coutinho’s probably that missing piece.
“They are now going in the direction I thought they should have been at the beginning of the season.”
Academy graduate Ramsey has been the Villans’ breakthrough star this season with 25 Premier League appearances under his belt.
McGinn has played one fewer top-flight game than his midfield partner this term.
In other news, pundit claims Aston Villa star should have seen red after “going out to hurt” Leeds United ace.