Former Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez has told TalkSPORT that Jack Grealish is better than Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.
Martinez played with Aubameyang at Arsenal for multiple seasons, but Grealish has seriously impressed him at Villa already.
And when asked how Grealish stacks up against the likes of Aubameyang and Ozil, Martinez said: “He’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen. I would put him ahead of them. He just never gives the ball away.”
Strictly on this season’s form, Martinez’s claim is hard to argue with – as Grealish has well outperformed Aubameyang.
While the Arsenal forward has struggled, Grealish is enjoying the best season of his career, and has built a reputation as one of the toughest players to come up against as a defender.
Very few full-backs have got the better of Grealish this term in a one-on-one battle.
And Martinez says that Villa’s players also really struggle against him in training.
“Messi, is Messi – he’s the best ever,” Martinez said. “But in terms of training, when Jack is on the ball, people don’t want to tackle him. They respect him on the ball, he can finish and chop.
“Messi is the same. Nobody wants to touch him. He uses people like cones, and I see that with Jack here – that’s why I compare them a little bit.”
The comparison with Lionel Messi may be slightly outlandish from Martinez, but there are similarities in their games.
Grealish is so willing to take defenders on, that it makes him the most fouled player in the Premier League.
Villa have really benefited from Grealish’s brilliant form this season, as he has been the driving force behind their success.
Dean Smith’s side have outside chances of making it into the top six, and Grealish’s craft and industry will be crucial, if they are to compete for a European spot.
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