Former Aston Villa star Lee Hendrie has recently delivered his verdict about John McGinn and Ollie Watkins.
Hendrie was recently having a chat with Football Transfer Tavern and he gave his opinion about McGinn and Watkins. The former defender also believes that both the players would’ve delighted Dean Smith, not just because they’re back from international duty without any injury but because of they performed well in the games that they played.
Watkins was called up to the England national team recently and on his debut the striker even found the back of the net against San Marino in the World Cup qualifiers. As for McGinn, the former Hibernian man also impressed for Steve Clarke’s Scotland. He scored three times in as many games. He grabbed a brace against Faroe Islands, scoring an overhead kick against Austria.
Who is more important for Villa?
Watkins
McGinn
Hendrie talked about both the Villa stars and he feels that Smith would be over the moon because of the two players.
The former defender told Transfer Tavern: “It’s massive, you know, when players go out on international duty the first and foremost thing that Dean will want is to make sure that his players are coming back in, they’re fit and ready for the weekend’s game. That’s the only worry for managers, that the players go away and you don’t see them for a week or two.”
“Dean will be over the moon. Ollie had his chance where he came on and scored his goal. John’s obviously a key fixture in the Scotland squad at the moment, so he had plenty of minutes. But I think Dean will just be happy that he’s got his two players back through the door and they’re fit and ready to go for the weekend.”
Watkins has been an important player for Smith this season. Having arrived for a fee of £27.72m from Brentford, the Englishman has found the back of the net a total of 12 times in all competitions. He has ten goals in the Premier League (as per Transfermarkt).
As for McGinn, the Scot has picked up a rating of 6.90 in the Premier League and only six Villa players have picked up better ratings than him.
This clearly shows the importance of the two players and Smith should be glad that they are back in fit condition.
In other news: Journalist drops promising claim on Edens and Sawiris at Aston Villa.