John McGinn names surprise Arsenal and Man Utd defenders as toughest he’s faced

John McGinn had a tough time against these Arsenal and Manchester United stars (Picture: Getty Images).

Key points

• The 31-year-old has been with the Villains since 2018, making over 330 appearances for them in all competitions.
• Major things are anticipated of Brian Madjo at Aston Villa (Picture: Getty Images).
• Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source.
• Riccardo Calafiori left an impression on the Aston Villa captain (Picture: Getty Images).
• Ezri Konsa left Villa for the Gunners this summer and the Scot clearly feels he will be a major loss.

Aston Villa captain John McGinn has picked out two defenders as the toughest he has faced and they may not be the names you expect.

Notably, the 31-year-old has been with the Villains since 2018, making over 330 appearances for them in all competitions.

In practice, the Scotland star is into his eighth season as a Premier League player and has additionally played in the Champions League and won the Europa League last season.

McGinn has come up against plenty of top class defenders and when asked for his most tough opponent, two names sprung to mind: Arsenal full-back Riccardo Calafiori and Manchester United's left-back Luke Shaw. Exclusive Premier League previews Obtain ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free.

Speaking on Stick to Football, the Villa skipper remarked: 'Do you know who really surprised me? Calafiori. Calafiori and Luke Shaw would be my two hardest opponents.

'Luke Shaw since I needed to completely adapt my game with Luke Shaw. Since we're of similar build. He's one I had to completely try and adapt.

'Calafiori was much stronger than I thought, I was really impressed with him.'

Another Arsenal player obtained a shout out from McGinn as his most underrated teammate.

Of the most underrated teammate of his career, he remarked: 'Ezri Konsa, but now he's starting to secure it. What a player.' England international Ezri Konsa joined Arsenal this summer (Picture: AP Photo).

Responding to quickfire questions, McGinn was additionally asked for his tip to be the next sizeable thing and he picked out exciting Villa talent Brian Madjo.

In practice, the 17-year-old striker is a massive presence at 6'4″ and has already caught the eye by scoring in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG earlier this month.

'I'd have to say Brian Madjo, ' remarked McGinn. 'If he keeps going the way he possibly could.

'Probably the hardest thing for a young, English player in Birmingham is staying away from the distractions.

'I spoke to Brian last week. I'm far from perfect, I like a pint from time to time, could I do more in the gym? Yes. 100 per cent. But if he stays away from the nightlife in Birmingham and has the right individuals around him, he could be seriously, seriously good. That's what I think.'

Madjo is at present out of action with a 'small injury' but is anticipated to return in September.

Taken together, the developments around john McGinn names surprise Arsenal and Man Utd defenders as toughest he's point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.