Mulligan Rising: New Hibs Star Nearly Outshines McGinn!

Josh Mulligan's arrival at Easter Road this season has injected a fresh zest into Hibernian's campaign, sparking comparisons with some of the club's most cherished midfield maestros. While noting that likening him to a highly stalwart figure like John McGinn might be a bit premature, there's no denying Mulligan's burgeoning influence in the team's dynamics.

Fresh from Dundee, where his performances notably caught the eye, Mulligan has adapted quickly to life in his new surroundings. His ability to blend defensive diligence with a knack for driving forward into attacking positions has made him an increasingly key figure for Hibernian's midfield. Though just in the early stages of his tenure, his impact is already palpable, displaying a balance of grit and creativity that Hibs fans admired in McGinn during his tenure at the club.

Mulligan's Versatility and Play Style

What stands out about Mulligan is perhaps his versatility. Capable of playing both in a more defensive role and in an advanced midfield position, Josh offers Manager Lee Johnson multiple tactical options. His robust style, combined with a youthful vigor, brings back memories of a young McGinn who was known for his aggressive, no-nonsense style of play that endeared him to the Hibs faithful.

Like McGinn, Mulligan possesses the ability to sway the game's momentum with his assertive midfield play. His stamina and hard-tackling approach often disrupt opponents' rhythm, creating opportunities for his team to capitalize on turnovers. It's this attribute that not only makes Josh vital in defensive maneuvers but also instrumental in transitioning the play from defense to attack—a dual role that McGinn played exceptionally well during his time at Easter Road.

However, to draw too tight a comparison at such a nascent stage in Mulligan's Hibernian career would be overlooking the unique trajectory that each player's career takes. While McGinn's journey from Hibernian to Aston Villa and then to national prominence with Scotland is a path many young Scottish midfielders may dream of, Mulligan is currently carving out his own niche. His goals are straightforward—establish himself as a regular starter, contribute to the team's successes, and continue his developmental curve which looks promising under the guidance of the experienced coaching staff at Hibs.

Impact Beyond the Pitch

Off the pitch, Mulligan's attitude and work ethic have resonated well with both teammates and fans alike. It’s this aspect of his professional approach that often gets compared to McGinn’s time at the club, where his leadership and commitment were as influential as his performances in matches.

The Hibernian community, while fond of reminiscing about figures like McGinn, are equally excited about the future that Josh Mulligan could help shape. There’s a sense of anticipation around what Mulligan can achieve, and whether he could possibly lead Hibs to the kind of successes they’ve chased since McGinn’s departure.

It’s early days yet, and the Scottish Premiership is a challenging league with its own set of trials and tribulations. However, what Mulligan has demonstrated so far suggests that Hibernian may have indeed found a gem capable of growing into a similarly pivotal role as his illustrious predecessor. Whether or not he reaches the heights of John McGinn, Josh Mulligan's career at Easter Road is certainly one to watch.

For now, Hibernian fans can enjoy the emergence of a young, promising talent in their squad, capable of bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a touch of quality—ingredients that every club desires from their midfield generals.