Whelan hits out at Aston Villa ‘myth’ as Unai Emery U-turn suggested
Noel Whelan has claimed the captain’s armband is a “myth” as new Aston Villa boss Unai Emery prepares to select his full-time skipper.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested John McGinn, 28, could be stripped of the role after his sub-par start to this campaign.
McGinn was installed as the new Aston Villa captain during the off-season by former boss Steven Gerrard – who said the decision would help ex-skipper Tyrone Mings “focus on his own game”.
The Scotland international has kept the armband for now but was dropped from the starting eleven altogether when Villa beat Man United in Emery’s first game in charge.
As per the Daily Mirror (4 November), the Spaniard confirmed he would keep McGinn in place for now ahead of a final decision in due course.
The midfielder has failed to score or assist in 17 outings this season.
When asked if a change could affect McGinn’s confidence and performances, Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think so.
“I see the captain’s armband as a bit of a myth, to be honest. Everyone should be a leader out there on the pitch.
“It doesn’t make anyone’s performances any different, no matter who is wearing it.
“There are plenty of leaders in every team who aren’t captains. And they can be more influential than these players with the armband.
“I think it’s something which is thought about too much, there’s too much emphasis on it.
“McGinn hasn’t had the best of seasons so far, so there’s every chance Emery could look to someone new if he feels they can bring something better to the table.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Aston Villa plot surprise move for Sevilla star.