It is time for Aston Villa to unleash Jack Grealish
By Josh Tonti
Polarizing, sometimes unavailable, unquestionably talented, Jack Grealish unleashes a variety of opinions from supporters and pundits alike. In the face of a promotion push, it is time for Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce to unleash the 22-year old attacking midfielder into the starting lineup.
Aston Villa is in the midst of a fine season thus far through 21 league matches in the EFL Championship. The club’s 18 goals conceded translates to third-best in the league, just outside league leaders Wolves at 17 and Cardiff’s ridiculous iron defense of 14 conceded.
Offensively, however, the claret and blues have looked rather less appealing. 29 goals scored is not a problem per se, but it is not up to production standards needed for automatic promotion back to the Premier League. Coincidentally, last term saw Villa in a similar situation, albeit not near the top of the table thanks to a rough start from then-manager Roberto Di Matteo. Villa finished in a familiar third-best in goals conceded by years’ end, but it was the attack that sputtered hopes.
To be precise, it was the attack from anyone not named Jonathan Kodjia and his nineteen league strikes. Rudy Gestede, who was sold last January to Middlesbrough, finished as the Villa’s second-leading goalscorer on four. Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah tied for third at three apiece.
The same Jack Grealish who was to be an integral part of Steve Bruce’s side to begin the year. We all know how that began: awful kidney damage following a clash in Aston Villa’s final pre-season summer tune-up against Watford.
Now fully fit following weeks of bench appearances, it is time for Villa to utilize Jack Grealish from the start.
Few in the Aston Villa squad have the ability to dictate play and create offense quite like the Birmingham-born attacking midfielder. His innate dribbling skill relieves pressure in the form of retained possession. Moreover, his creativity draws fouls – putting strong Villa aerial threats (Terry, Chester, Davis, Samba, Jedinak) in positions to score, while drawing opponent yellow cards. For a club that routinely loses the possession battle, this remains an invaluable skill set.
The only reason Bruce has yet to start Grealish this season, is the presence of on-loan Spurs youngster Josh Onomah in the central attacking midfield role. Onomah is one of three players to appear in every Villa league match this season, joining goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and the irreplaceable James Chester in central defense. While very good in the aggregate, Onomah has struggled as of late, not providing enough value in the final third.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino had some interesting comments here about the possibility of his club’s loanees rejoining in January.
Next: Time to put Millwall result in rear-view mirror
While I think it unlikely Pochettino recalls Josh Onomah – I mean he’s featured in every match thus far, to the benefit of all three parties, Bruce does need to balance a fine line. Finding a system that caters to both Onomah and Grealish in the same eleven requires some juggling. Who is replaced? The anchor Glenn Whelan? Conor Hourihane? Go no striker formation and throw Adomah up top?
Whatever the case, Jack Grealish needs to start at Derby County on Saturday. He’s earned it following the equalizing assist at Leeds United mid-week followed by Villa’s only shot on target in the scoreless draw with Millwall.
Unleash Jack until proven otherwise.