Dean Ashton shared that he thought Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was capable of being the best player in the Championship.
The pundit, regularly seen on Quest’s EFL Highlights show, revealed that Dean Smith had given the 23-year-old playmaker more freedom in his team and it was clear to see the player’s influence.
Ashton added that when Grealish is at his best you could say he is the best player in the division but it’s worth noting that other players have had superb seasons too.
“Smith gave him a bit more freedom and he was influential in a good start and Smith’ll have missed him too, which is probably in part as to why he’s said what he’s said,” Ashton told Football League World.
“At his best you would say he probably could and would be the best in the division but there are others who have had a superb season too.”
OPINION
The TV pundit clearly is a fan of Grealish’s talents but isn’t ready to shout from the rooftops that the midfielder is the best in Championship. It’s understandable why this is the case as there are lots of fabulous talents playing in England’s second-tier currently and Grealish has only just returned from injury. The 23-year-old missed 13 league games due to a shin injury before returning in spectacular style against Derby County on Saturday. Grealish was involved in all of the Villans’ best bits of play and scored a stunning goal in the 4-0 victory over the Rams to put the Championship on notice that he was back. It’s clear to see Grealish is very important to the Villans as their form dipped without him to call upon, and it’s now a question of whether he can help them sneak a place in the play-offs. Smith’s side are six points behind sixth-placed Bristol City and need to go on an impressive run of form to have any chance of winning promotion this season.