Upfront Steven Gerrard reckons John McGinn is trying too hard to impress in his role as Aston Villa skipper.
The Scotland star was awarded the armband by the former Rangers boss after former captain Tyrone Mings was relieved of his duties. But it's not gone to plan, so far, with many Villa observers noting McGinn 's displays have been below his usual high standards. The former Hibs man isn't alone, of course, as the Villans toil near the bottom of the English Premier League with only one victory so far.
Gerrard has noted McGinn's desire to do more now he is the captain but he just wants the 28-year-old to play his game as Villa aim to back-up their morale-boosting 1-1 draw with a key victory over Southampton under the Villa Park lights on Friday night. The former Rangers boss said: "He hasn’t changed and I haven’t expected him to change. I think he’s maybe been trying too hard, if you like, which we thought would happen.
“He’s had the captaincy individually on a few occasions and we felt his performances were that he was trying too desperately. That’s not a fault, that’s John McGinn. I think that’s a real positive about him but it’ll take time.
“He’ll come and get back to his real strong best. I think out of possession he’s been outstanding for us but he’s just trying a little bit too hard. We’ve spoken to him about it and I have no doubts that he’ll be fine. He’s been fine in certain games and in certain moments this season.”
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