{
  "id": 3731954,
  "title": "EPL: ‘He surprised me’ – John McGinn names strongest defender he’s faced",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/epl-he-surprised-me-john-mcginn-names-strongest-defender-hes-faced",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T12:30:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/27/epl-he-surprised-me-john-mcginn-names-strongest-defender-hes-faced/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has named Riccardo Calafiori and Luke Shaw as the toughest defenders he has faced in the Premier League. Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, McGinn said, “Do you know who really surprised me? Calafiori. Calafiori and Luke Shaw would be my two hardest opponents.” The Scotsman explained that Calafiori was stronger than he initially thought, impressing him with his performance. Calafiori, a £33.7 million transfer from Bologna to Arsenal in 2024, made 67 appearances for the Gunners last season and played a crucial role in their Premier League-winning campaign. Meanwhile, Shaw joined Manchester United from Southampton in 2014 for £30 million and has made 328 appearances across all competitions despite facing numerous injury challenges.",
  "summary": "Aston Villa midfielder, John McGinn, has named the toughest defender he has played against in the Premier League. He identified a few players from Arsenal and Manchester United as the strongest defenders he has encountered throughout his career. The Scotsman stated that Riccardo Calafiori and Luke Shaw are the toughest opponents he has ever faced. […] EPL: ‘He surprised me’ – John McGinn names…",
  "key_points": [
    "John McGinn names Riccardo Calafiori and Luke Shaw as toughest defenders.",
    "Calafiori impressed McGinn with his performance last season.",
    "Shaw has made 328 appearances for Manchester United despite injuries."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}