McGinn stands up in Villa's 'difficult moments'

VILLA manager Unai Emery said captain John McGinn provides his side with the X-factor following their 2-0 win against Feyenoord in Rotterdam.

- By MARK WALKER

McGinn scored for the third game running to seal back-to-back Europa League wins for Villa, and three on the bounce in all competitions, after Emi Buendia had fired them into a second-half lead.

When asked about McGinn, Emery, a four-time Europa League winner as manager, said: “His challenge as captain is something more than tactically and individually.

“He is playing with a lot of emotions. He responds in a difficult moment. He is a player very important in the dressing room and he is always happy and always smiling.

“When we need more than tactical and individual performances, he is always trying to get positive energy.”

Villa had to weather a storm before the interval as Feyenoord created a string of chances, with stand-in goalkeeper Marco Bizot pulling off several outstanding saves.