In a recent television segment with Sky Sports, football expert Paul Merson urged Barcelona to move in for Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish. Merson said,
“I think that much of him and I think he is one of the best around. I think if I’m a manager at one of the big boys and no disrespect to Aston Villa here, but if you’re looking to go through your career and try and win something, I’m looking at £120/130m for him, I would pay.
“If I’m Barcelona I’m buying him tomorrow morning it doesn’t matter how much it is I’m buying Jack Grealish because Jack Grealish at the Nou Camp would absolutely rip it up.”
Grealish’s Excellent Numbers In The Premier League This Season
It has been another sensational campaign for Grealish at Villa Park as he has been responsible for carrying his team on his back at times over the past few months. The English wide player has found the back of the net on seven occasions and provided 12 assists in 23 matches for the West Midlands side this term across all competitions.
The Birmingham-born talent has garnered a lot of plaudits for averaging 1.2 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 2.1 shots, 3.4 key passes and 2.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season. He has even distributed the ball relatively well in the opponent’s half after completing 83.2% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
What Does The England International Add To Dean Smith’s Side?
Grealish is deceptively quick in the way he makes his runs down the left flank. He has shown that he has got the vision to create plays for others around him and is a potent goal-threat from long range because of his ability to strike the ball with power and precision.
The three-time England international is versatile enough to operate in any position across the frontline. He has primarily been unleashed as a left-sided winger by Dean Smith but is also good enough to fill in as an attacking midfielder or as a wide player on the right-wing.
Why The Villans Cannot Allow Grealish To Leave
Grealish can win matches on his own which makes him the most valuable member of the Aston Villa squad. Hence, the Midlands outfit cannot afford to let him leave even if a club of Barcelona’s size decides to listen to Merson’s advice by making a move for him in the summer. Plus, Smith would find it difficult to replace a player of Grealish’s skillset and leadership qualities even if he can get a big fee for his services during the summer transfer period.
At 25, Grealish is about to enter his prime, so he will only get better with each season. The Villans should focus on keeping the player happy and only sanction his departure when he hits his peak in the coming seasons.
