Kieran Trippier is the latest individual to talk up the talents of the ‘fantastic’ Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish, as he told England’s press conference ahead of the Iceland game.
Whilst Atletico Madrid’s right-back is able to see first hand what Grealish is capable of in training with England, he could have seen the same player shine at club level if things were different in the summer.
Before the transfer window slammed shut, the Telegraph did report that Dean Smith was keen to sign the £20 million defender, but they opted for Nottingham Forest’s Matty Cash instead.
Nonetheless, after spending various training sessions with Grealish and also sharing the pitch with him, Trippier backed the ball-carrier to ‘go all the way to the top’ in his career.
“Jack has been fantastic, especially training with him for England,” said Trippier. “I think the last few games he has played, he is playing with real confidence.
“He is showing his ability and as a character, he’s a really good lad, on and off the pitch. Jack’s got everything to be a top player and if he keeps playing like he is with the freedom and enjoying himself, which is the most important thing, then he can go all the way to the top.”
It was a long wait for Grealish to earn his first competitive start for his country because the previously reluctant Gareth Southgate was, for one reason or another, unsure about handing him such an opportunity.
Well, whilst the majority of England players underperformed during their defeat to Belgium on Sunday, Grealish shined bright on the left-hand side.
The boyhood Villa fan is set for his second competitive start tonight and this is an ample chance for him to register another assist or even score his first goal for the Three Lions.
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