Dean Saunders has claimed that Aston Villa star Jack Grealish needs to add consistency to his game if he wants to reach the top level.
Grealish has been earmarked as a huge talent for many years but has not quite lived up to that potential quite yet despite some eye-catching performances for Villa over the years.
Saunders has now pinpointed Grealish’s lack of consistency as a huge flaw in his game, and warned that he may fade away if he does not manage to add that to his arsenal.
Speaking on Alan Brazil’s Breakfast on Talksport [Tuesday, 08:58], Saunders said: “How many players have we seen over the years that are miles more talented – miles more than we were [Saunders and Brazil] – that don’t seem to be able to do it week in, week out, or fade away?
“He has to get that in his game. He has to get the foundations of his game: determination, want to win, and ‘as long as you don’t play well against me, I’m getting a 7/10’. But he’s got the 9/10 in his bag – he can thread balls through, he sees a pass, he can hit a pass. He looks good as well doesn’t he? On the eye he looks good, he moves well. Good player.”
OPINION
It is hard to argue with Saunders’ assessment of Grealish here, and the issues that he has highlighted have really come to the fore this season for Villa. Grealish’s talent is undeniable – the fact that he was coveted in the summer by Tottenham illustrates that – but his consistency is becoming a huge issue. Last season was the best of his career, with Grealish playing a huge part in Villa’s run to the play-off final, but that kind of form has deserted him so far this term. Whether that is down to the events of the summer or another reason, Grealish must learn to find more consistency in his game. What sets apart those who make it and those who don’t is the ability to put in good performance after good performance, not just one brilliant display among many average ones. If Grealish wants to make it as a proven Premier League performer in the future then this is the one thing he must add to his arsenal.