Unai Emery’s decision to retain Aston Villa star justified by impressive stat
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery may feel vindicated following a telling stat emerging regarding a player he fought to keep at the club.
Aston Villa claimed their first win of the season after they beat Bologna 1-0 on 25 September, with a goal from John McGinn earning all three points.
It’s been a tough few months for the club as financial constraints overshadowed the summer, as Aston Villa sold their women’s team in a bid to comply with regulations.
Still, key players were linked with moves away, including Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, while McGinn received enquiries from Everton over a potential deal.
However, Football Insider revealed Emery was determined to keep McGinn, and the club rejected any approaches.
Now, following the side’s victory over Bologna, a stat has emerged which may show exactly why the coach pushed for McGinn to stay.
John McGinn makes his mark in Europe for Aston Villa
McGinn’s goal against Bologna was just the third goal they’ve scored in all competitions, but it holds significance for the Scot.
According to Opta, since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, no player has scored more goals from outside the box in major European competitions than McGinn, with four.
He was influential in the side’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals last term, as he contributed to five goals before being knocked out by the eventual winners PSG.
His importance to the side is evident, and despite Newcastle also attempting talks to sign him, it is understood that Emery values McGinn as a leader, especially in the dressing room.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2025-26 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | 10 | 3 | 2 |
| 2023-24 | 12 | 3 | 3 |
Morgan Rogers could learn from John McGinn
It’s been a tough season for Villa so far, but McGinn has given fans hope that they could thrive in Europe. One player who is in poor form is Rogers, who has struggled under Emery so far this season.
Rogers was heavily linked with the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea over the summer but remained at Villa Park.
However, he has yet to find the net this season, and there could be an argument there is an argument that the uncertainty around his future has contributed to his lack of form.
Meanwhile, McGinn faced similar speculation over his own future but ended up staying and has since proved he can handle the pressure. Rogers must now do the same and show that he can also rise above that pressure.