John McGinn has been confirmed as Aston Villa’s new captain after Steven Gerrard took the armband off Tyrone Mings.
Villa boss Gerrard has rung the changes for his first full season in charge after making Scottish midfielder McGinn,27, his skipper. Keeper Emiliano Martínez,29, will now take over as vice-captain after McGinn previously held the role.
While veteran Ashley Young, 37, has been made club captain with defender Mings, 29, who has 17 England caps, told to focus on his own game instead. Gerrard said: “John has demonstrated that he is ready to take on the captaincy through his performances on the pitch combined with his attitude and application in training.
“He is a popular member of the dressing room who sets high standards and expectations of himself. Emi is a respected senior member of the squad while Ashley Young’s experience speaks for itself and he is the perfect ambassador for the first team.
“Naturally, I have had to have a discussion with Tyrone Mings and have explained my reasons for making this decision. More importantly, I believe that not having the responsibility of the captaincy will allow Tyrone to focus more on his own game which can only benefit him and the team.”
Mings got the armband at Villa Park last summer when Jack Grealish left but was criticised last term and dropped by Gerrard’s predecessor Dean Smith. Mings Tweeted: “For me this isn’t about John or I, it’s about what’s right for Aston Villa.
Has Gerrard made the right call appointing McGinn over Mings? Have your say in the comments below.
"I have no issues with the manager’s decision. I’ve loved leading this team. Anyone who knows John knows how infectious he is and it will be an honour to play underneath his captaincy.”
A similar situation played out during Gerrard's own playing career when then-Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier took the armband from defender Sami Hyypia in favour of a 23-year-old Gerrard.
McGinn has been linked with a move away from Villa Park over the summer with Tottenham one of the sides reported to have held an interest. But Gerrard seemingly had no intentions of letting McGinn go.
Speaking after Villa's win over Norwich at the back end of last season, Gerrard told reporters: ""I’m a massive fan of him, he’s very unique how he plays. He sees passes, he’s infectious, he’s a leader; I could hear his voice throughout the game."
