View: 93% ace leading Aston Villa Euro charge, Collymore labelled him ‘Outstanding’ v Forest

Aston Villa are charging towards Champions League qualification and John McGinn continues to lead that charge.

Unai Emery’s side took another big step in their quest to qualify for Europe’s showpiece tournament with a 4-2 win against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on Saturday (24 February).

Despite racing into a 3-0 lead thanks to an early goal from Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz’s first-half brace, Villa were made to work for the three points.

Moussa Niakhate pulled one back for Forest on the stroke of half-time before Morgan Gibbs-White struck three minutes after the restart as the visitors threatened an unlikely comeback.

However, Leon Bailey netted just past the hour mark to ensure the three points would remain in the West Midlands, as Villa moved five points clear of fifth-place Tottenham in the Premier League.

While he didn’t get himself on the scoresheet, the ever-present McGinn was singled out for praise at full-time by ex-Villa and Forest striker Stan Collymore for his “outstanding” performance.

Collymore wrote via his official X account (24 February), “Great performance with Luiz, Bailey and McGinn outstanding. Credit to Forest, from nowhere could have got to 3-3 in the blink of an eye.

“Safe travels home, Trickies, we’ll meet again at Villa Park and the City Ground next season. Count on it.”

Will John McGinn be the difference for Aston Villa this season?

When there are six goals in a match and you are not one of the goalscorers, but your performance is still described as “outstanding,” that is saying something.

And it is hard to disagree with Collymore.

As has so often been the case this season, McGinn was one of the most impressive players on the pitch for Emery.

In addition to grabbing an assist, the captain completed 93 per cent of his passes in the middle of the park, with two of them being key (Sofascore).

He played one accurate long ball forward and completed two successful dribbles and in typical McGinn style, the 29-year-old’s defensive contributions were just as impressive as his involvement going forward.

As well as winning seven of his 13 ground duels, the midfielder made four clearances, blocked one shot, made one interception and three tackles as he worked tirelessly in central midfield.

If Villa are to qualify for the Champions League, McGinn will certainly be owed a large debt of gratitude after his performances this season.

The Scotland international has scored six times and provided three assists in the Premier League this season, with his contributions on the pitch elsewhere just as important.

As per fbref, McGinn ranks among the top eight per cent of his positional peers in England’s top flight this season when it comes to successful take-ons (1.78 per 90), while he sits in the top 12 per cent for the number of passes (1.66 per 90) and crosses (0.32 per 90) he has played into the penalty area.

If McGinn continues in his current form, the teams below Villa could struggle to keep pace, and the Champions League music could ring around Villa Park next season for the first time ever.