Scotland and Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has doubled down on his unorthodox playing style, admitting he ignored former national team boss Alex McLeish’s pleas to stop using his backside to outwit opponents – all because his father swore by Kenny Dalglish’s legendary technique.
The 30-year-old’s trademark move – using his physique to shield the ball, win free-kicks, or roll past defenders – has become a staple of his game since his St Mirren days.
But McGinn revealed to Sky Sports that McLeish once screamed at him to “stop daein’ that f***** thing!”
"I don't know maybe. Maybe because it's the biggest!" McGinn said when asked if he had the best "bum game" in the English Premier League ahead of Villa's visit to Manchester City on Tuesday night.
"There's a few that are really strong - Joelinton, Wellbeck - there are certain players that use their body well. Might not just be their backside, it might just be the fact that they're huge."
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McGinn went on to explain how McLeish didn’t always appreciate his use of the move.
"It used to do his head in. All the Scotland boys will laugh at this, but when I was a lot more inexperienced, he used to shout 'stop daein' that f***** thing!'" McGinn laughed.
McLeish’s concerns grew after McGinn was caught out by winger Eden Hazard during a match against Belgium.
He continued: "There were a couple of times I got caught against Belgium. Hazard was playing and I got caught on the edge of the box and he said 'you'll get away with that in Scottish football, you won't get away with that in international football.'"
This left McGinn questioning whether he could continue using the trick at the highest level. However, it was his dad, Stephen, who reminded him of the importance of sticking to his style.
"Then my dad reminded me that Kenny Dalglish used it in every single game. He said 'son, Kenny Dalglish used it. Keep doing it and you'll be alright.'"
Reflecting on the advice he received from his father, McGinn admitted that it was the best decision to ignore McLeish’s warning and follow his dad’s counsel. "So thankfully I ignored big Alex McLeish and listened to my dad!"
"I hear and see the jokes but I was nowhere near as good as Eden Hazard at using it. I'll take the comparison, but never!"
In addition to his unique playing style, McGinn’s physique is a crucial part of his success. "It's something I've always had. It's a unique body shape and a unique style. I'm sure it's not for every club or manager, but our manager knows how to use it to our strengths."
McGinn’s journey shows that sometimes, embracing what makes you different — and taking advice from those who know best — can help you thrive at the highest level. And for McGinn, that means sticking with his own “bum game.”
