In a post-match interview following Aston Villa’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Monday night, Dean Smith had words of encouragement for Jack Grealish and said (via Four Four Two), “He can play a number of positions.
“He can play as part of a two in midfield, play as a 10, play as an eight when we play a one and two (an attacking midfielder behind two strikers), he can play left, he can play right.
“I just feel at the moment, for the balance of the team, it (left wing) is a really good position for him. That’s the thing a mature Jack knows now, that he is doing a job for the team by being there.
“I feel he gives the opposition problems when he gets on the ball and runs at them, and as we saw against Newcastle, he won two free-kicks that led to two goals.”
The Villa boss went on to add (via Four Four Two), “He is in a good spot.
“If he keeps improving he can go all the way. He is playing in the top league in this country.
“People speculate about an England call-up, but all he can do is keep putting in performances like he is doing.”
Grealish’s Incredible Run Of Form In The English Top-Flight
Grealish has been in sparkling form for the Villans this season after putting a run of spectacular performances under Smith’s tutelage at Villa Park. The 24-year-old has scored four goals and created five assists in 13 appearances for the West Midlands outfit this term on all fronts. He is averaging 1.4 tackles, 2.1 shots, 2.8 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game in the Premier League (stats via whoscored).
The Birmingham-born talent has also represented the England Under-21 side in seven matches while netting two goals for them in the process. However, he is yet to earn his first international cap for the Three Lions at the senior level.
What Makes The Villans Star Such An Exceptional Talent?
Grealish is deceptively quick and can complete some penetrative dribbles from midfield. He excels at carrying the ball from one end of the pitch to the other and doesn’t mind putting in a tireless shift every time he steps on to the field. The English playmaker has now added more goals and assists to his game which goes to show that he is improving with each season.
The 24-year-old has formed a productive midfield partnership with John McGinn, and the dynamic duo’s rich contributions have helped the Villans steer clear of the dreaded relegation zone for the time being. Smith’s side are currently occupying the 15th spot in the league table, four points above 18th-placed Norwich City.
If Grealish can continue to be prolific in terms of his goal-scoring and assist-making, then it is only a matter of time before he gets an England call-up from Gareth Southgate. He is an exceptional talent who has the skillset to succeed at the highest level.
