Aston Villa

Taylor: Grealish and Mings have been game changing this season

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Image for Taylor: Grealish and Mings have been game changing this season

Aston Villa defender has singled out defensive partner Tyrone Mings and midfield ace Jack Grealish as game changing talents behind their rise up the Championship table.

The Villans have secured a place in the playoffs for the second consecutive season with their impressive run of form since January launching them up the table after sitting in mid-table after the first half of the campaign.

Speaking of their defensive improvements, Taylor pointed towards Mings’ arrival in January as well as Grealish’s return to fitness as making a huge difference.

Speaking of the improvements made this season, the Welsh international told the Express and Star: “As a team we defend a lot better. We are set up to win the ball higher up the pitch and win the ball quicker on turnovers. That makes a big difference to how you defend as a team.

“Obviously we made great additions, the likes of Tyrone, and they have made a big difference to the team. Jack coming back, everyone talks about, but he is the best player in the league and is going to make a difference.

“For me personally, I think as a team we have defended loads better. If you look at Jed, how many big saves does he have to make every game? Fingers crossed, it is not too many.”

Opinion

There is no getting away from just how impressive Villa have been this second half of the season and Taylor has rightly picked out two of their standout performers. Grealish’s return to the midfield has been massive for the Villans, bringing some much needed creative flair and cutting edge to the side, while Mings’ impact cannot be overstated. He is a Premier League quality defender plying his trade in the second tier and you can see the talent he has when he lines up on a Saturday. Opposition attackers have very little luck against the powerhouse of a centre back but he also brings the best out of those around him. He is a leader at the heart of the defence and you can see why Villa wanted him in January. Surely if they get promoted they will look at getting him permanently – but they will need him to perform in the playoffs if they are to even think about Premier League football next season.

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