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Aston Villa: Jack Grealish doing himself zero favors

By Khaled Abdallah

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Aston Villa's Jack Grealish during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on January 8, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer - CameraSport via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Aston Villa's Jack Grealish during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on January 8, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer - CameraSport via Getty Images) /
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The Birmingham-born Villa supporter turned professional footballer’s time is wearing thin at Bodymoor Heath. Jack Grealish must turn his act around if he is to ever reach his massive potential.

Jack Grealish was sent-off against Nottingham Forest last Saturday, after collecting a pair of bookings. His season total amounts to six yellow cards despite not featuring in every league match. This behavior on the pitch is a concern for an attacking player not known for his tackling ability.

Reports from Birmingham suggest Grealish was a last minute starter at Nottingham due to Neil Taylor’s continued illness. Had Taylor been fit to play, he would have occupied the left wingback role, with Birkir Bjarnason taking Grealish’s midfield spot.

Increased competition in the Villa squad brings opportunity to make an impression with manager Steve Bruce. Jack Grealish made quite the impression – one that screams, “please drop me from the squad.” This is the same Steve Bruce that inconceivably released Pierluigi Gollini on loan to bring in Sam Johnstone.

Managers want players to fit their system and should they be crossed or betrayed, the player will be dropped. Jack Grealish’s time at Aston Villa is not in any immediate danger, but the 21-year old is doing himself absolutely zero favors.

Grealish’s development stagnated due to multiple off-the-pitch distractions, internal discipline, and inconsistent play. When Grealish plays, Villa do not know which player will show up: The effervescent star that scored the winner against Wigan? Or the boy that received two bookings for kicking the ball away against Nottingham?

Next: Villa v. Forest Player Grades

Who does Steve Bruce turn to after Jack’s one match suspension? Is Jack content with being a super-sub from the bench – the first attacking player called on? His performance this season shows he is more effective as a substitute vs. a starter.

Steve Bruce must juggle lots of questions about his squad. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy’s re-signing and André Green’s renaissance only stiffened places in the attack.

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