Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has heaped praise on Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish but suggested that Gareth Southgate may not be keen on him.
During England’s 3-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night, Grealish started the match but was substituted off in the second half (per BBC).
Despite being withdrawn from the action just after the hour mark, it was claimed to be a ‘very impressive night‘ for the Villa attacker.
The appearance at Wembley was the 25-year-old player’s third outing for his country and in those three games he has not scored but he has bagged two assists (per Transfermarkt).
However, in a recent episode of The Sky Sports Football Podcast, speaking prior to England’s 3-0 victory, Redknapp suggested that Southgate may not be keen on Grealish.
He said: “You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that Gareth is probably not that keen on him. Maybe he feels that he’s a little bit loose, in terms of, he picks up little positions around the pitch.
“I always enjoyed having a player like that in my team, I would love to have played with Jack Grealish as a footballer because [it’s useful] if you’ve got someone in your team that can get you up the pitch, that can win fouls around the box.
“Now, people say, ‘Well, why does he get fouled all the time?’ That, for me, is bravery on the ball, that’s committing people.
“That’s what you want, you’re looking for these sort of special players that can do things and win a game for you, I would love to see him get a little bit of a run in a game.”
TIF Thoughts on what Jamie Redknapp said about Jack Grealish…
As can be seen in what the former midfielder had to say, he is impressed with Grealish and would “love” to have played with him, however, he believes that Southgate is “not that keen on him”.
Do you agree that Gareth Southgate may not be keen on Jack Grealish?
No, that's not the case
Yes, I think that's the case
The pundit suggested that the England manager may not be keen as the Villa attacker is “a little bit loose” and with WhoScored having listed defensive contribution as a weakness of Grealish, then perhaps it is a fair criticism.
However, so far this season, the Englishman has been the second-best player in the entire Premier League with a stellar 8.18/10 average rating, so, it would seemingly be difficult for Southgate to look past Grealish.