Micah Richards says 26-year-old Aston Villa star has really impressed him

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Former Aston Villa defender Micah Richards has heaped praise on John McGinn following his brilliant performances in the Premier League this season.

The Scotsman has played in all but one game in the Premier League for Villa this term and he has impressed. His performance against Manchester United last weekend was fantastic, and Richards was blown away.

The former Manchester City star raved about McGinn, 26, who he feels was in Jack Grealish’s shadow over the last two years. However, he has finally stepped out, and his performances deserve a ton of credit.

Micah Richards: John McGinn gives so much for Aston Villa

He said on the BBC Radio 5 Live Daily Podcast: “John McGinn, he’s really, really impressed me.

“He was a bit in the shadow of Jack Grealish and he’s not as technically great, but he gives so much to that team.

“Energy, he runs in behind, he tackles and he’s got everything, he really has.”

Aston Villa haven’t really missed Grealish

Many expected Villa to struggle this season following Grealish’s big-money move to Premier League champions Manchester City. The Englishman was undoubtedly their best player and his departure was always going to be a big blow to Dean Smith’s side.

However, Aston Villa have coped pretty well. They have lost just two of their opening six games and are currently eighth in the table, just three points behind Grealish’s Manchester City.

Smith deserves a ton of praise for the way he has replaced Grealish. They’ve signed a few top-quality players and McGinn, labelled as a ‘super player‘ by Jurgen Klopp, has stepped up brilliantly as well.