News is not available yet.
John McGinn had a tough time against these Arsenal and Manchester United stars (Picture: Getty Images) Aston Villa captain John McGinn has picked out two defenders as the toughest he has faced and they may not be the names you expect. The 31-year-old has been with the Villains since 2018, making over 330 appearances for them in all competitions. The Scotland star is into his eighth season as a Premier League player and has also played in the Champions League and won the Europa League last season. McGinn has come up against plenty of top class defenders and when asked for his most difficult opponent, two names sprung to mind: Arsenal full-back Riccardo Calafiori and Manchester United’s left-back Luke Shaw. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. Speaking on Stick to Football, the Villa skipper said: ‘Do you know who really surprised me? Calafiori. Calafiori and Luke Shaw would be my two hardest opponents. ‘Luke Shaw because I needed to completely adapt my game with Luke Shaw. Because we’re of similar build. He’s one I had to completely try and adapt [to]. Riccardo Calafiori left an impression on the Aston Villa captain (Picture: Getty Images) ‘Calafiori was much stronger than I thought, I was really impressed with him.’ Another Arsenal player got a shout out from McGinn as his most underrated teammate. Ezri Konsa left Villa for the Gunners this summer and the Scot clearly feels he will be a big loss. Of the most underrated teammate of his career, he said: ‘Ezri Konsa, but now he’s starting to get it [recognition]. What a player.’ England international Ezri Konsa joined Arsenal this summer (Picture: AP Photo) Responding to quickfire questions, McGinn was also asked for his tip to be the next big thing and he picked out exciting Villa talent Brian Madjo. The 17-year-old striker is a huge presence at 6’4″ and has already caught the eye by scoring in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG earlier this month. ‘I’d have to say Brian Madjo,’ said McGinn. ‘If he keeps going the way he possibly could… Big things are expected of Brian Madjo at Aston Villa (Picture: Getty Images) ‘Probably the hardest thing for a young, English player in Birmingham is staying away from the distractions. ‘I spoke to Brian last week. I’m far from perfect, I like a pint from time to time, could I do more in the gym? Yes. 100 per cent. But if he stays away from the nightlife in Birmingham and has the right people around him, he could be seriously, seriously good. That’s what I think.’ Madjo is currently out of action with a ‘small injury’ but is likely to return in September. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
CRAIG HOPE: Newcastle have NOT given up hope of signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo before the transfer deadline despite Lille's £60m asking price.
Jack: Premier League experience, versatile, scored numerous times against us. Unfortunately, it seems like Palace want a lot of money for him and I don't want us overpaying for him. John: I'd have preferred our recruitment strategy to have been more organised - identify who we need and make sensible offers early in the summer.
LEWIS STEELE: Liverpool are yet to receive any approaches for duo Harvey Elliott or Federico Chiesa - but Confidential understands the club are willing to listen to offers for the duo this week.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
