Jack Grealish helped Aston Villa to their first Premier League win of the season last Friday.
Grealish has been stationed alongside John McGinn in central midfield for Villa so far this season.
In the Championship, the playmaker was generally seen in more advanced areas of the pitch, due to the stranglehold on possession that Villa often has.
But Dean Smith has tasked the 23-year-old with being more disciplined defensively this term.
And Nicholas has questioned whether Villa are getting the best out of Grealish by playing him in such a deep role.
“Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Jack Grealish can pull the strings,” he said.
“McGinn doesn’t need to hold as he has an abundance of energy. Luiz is technically decent, but I would want him to adjust to the English way and understand how his fellow midfielders play.
“Grealish needs to play higher up the pitch. Wesley is up and running now, so those are promising signs for them.”
Nicholas went on to back Villa to get a point in their match against Crystal Palace this weekend at Selhurst Park.
Whether his criticism of Grealish is fair is very much up for debate.
Grealish is picking up the ball in deeper areas, as Villa need to get him in possession as much as possible, and if he played a more advanced role he could be left isolated.
The Villans, naturally, are having less of the ball this season, and Grealish is playing a role where he can remain very involved for them.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
