Former Everton and Crystal Palace favourite delivers Aston Villa Champions League verdict

Former Aston Villa attacker Yannick Bolasie admitted he was stunned by the ability of John McGinn when he arrived at the club.

McGinn and Bolasie played in the same team having joined in 2018 and they were a part of the Villains squad that won promotion via the Championship play-offs in 2019. McGinn has remained the club since and has captained them in recent weeks whilst Bolasie recently became a free agent after being released by Swansea City.

"John McGinn was sick," said Bolasie on the Filthy Fellas podcast.

"I remember he came in at Aston Villa the season I came in. He was there just before me, I came after.

"He was just coming out and shooting every time. I was like why is he shooting? Why is he always shooting? And then he puts a volley top bins. No one says nothing after that. I said after that let him shoot bro. 

"He’s got a banger of a left foot. It works and he’s been doing it from the Champ bro."

Bolasie's stay at Villa only lasted half a season, having been recalled by Everton in January 2019. He made 21 appearances in total, getting two goals and five assists in 21 games, but had to watch on as his Villa teammates got themselves over the line after suffering heartache the season prior.

Villa are now chasing a Champions League spot, and hold a five-point lead over Spurs who have a game in hand. The 50-cap DR Congo international revealed that despite being fond of Unai Emery's side right now, he still thinks Manchester United will pip Villa to fourth.

"The best changing room that man was in was Aston Villa’s. Tammy Abraham, Grealish (Jack) Adomah (Albert) and Tuanzebe (Axel). The changing room was A1. 

"The banter was flowing round in there it was going out to the pitch as well. That changing room was the best changing room. "Villa I am liking what they are doing but I’m not sure about the whole stamina thing. I think United will somehow creep in because they have got the knowhow."