Stuart Pearce heaped praise on Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish but shared he wasn’t sure Dean Smith’s side would avoid relegation from the Premier League next season.
The pundit delivered his verdict on how the Villans would fare in the top-flight next season and admitted it would be a tough ask for them to remain in the division.
However Pearce did point out that his opinion could change depending on the transfer business the club gets done, as well as how their first few fixtures go.
“They will be under a bit of pressure so I think it will be a tough ask to stay in the division but it depends on who they get through the door from now and then and if they get off to a good start,” said Pearce on Sky Sports News (10:41am, Thursday June 13th).
Pearce then proceeded to talk specifically about Grealish and shared that he thought the 23-year-old had to be kept at Villa Park and that the midfielder needs to play regularly to test his ability.
“He’s an improving young talent there is no doubt about that,” added Pearce.
“He’s loved at Aston Villa, comfortable on the ball, good passer of the ball and maturing as a man as well.
“What they’ve got to do is keep him at the club so he stays and that he keeps ticking off the games as from his point of view he needs to play and play in the top division to see how far he can push himself.”
OPINION
Pearce said some questionable things while talking about the Villans and it’s hard not to wonder if he watched them much last season. The pundit seems to have doubts about them staying in the Premier League, but then delivers a vague verdict on what would change his mind. With the summer transfer window only just starting to warm up, it does seem harsh to write the Villans off already. Aston Villa could go sign three fantastic players in the coming weeks and they could be game changing signings in the long run. You feel Pearce has tried to sit on the fence with his verdict on the club’s Premier League chances after originally painting a bleak picture for that reason. As for his remarks on Grealish, the former England player is no doubt aware of what a talent the 23-year-old is. Grealish has previously played in the Premier League before but he is returning to England’s top-flight a much-improved player after maturing while regularly playing in the very demanding Championship.