Jack Grealish names highly controversial pair as two of his Aston Villa role models

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The young star’s choices might not go down too well with Villa fans…

Jack Grealish’s choice of Aston Villa role models might not go down too well with supporters after he named controversial pair Gabriel Agbonlahor and Fabian Delph, speaking to the Birmingham Mail.

Grealish has courted controversy on several occasions over the last 18 months or so of his career, mostly for a number of off-field indiscretions, as reported by the media.

Though he has often starred for the club on the pitch, the general school of thought is that he must concentrate on ensuring that his full focus is on fulfilling his potential rather than enjoying the rather high-profile life of a professional footballer.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail when asked to name some of his role models from supporting and playing for Villa, the England Under-21 star named a couple of controversial choices.

Firstly he selected Agbonlahor as his hero whilst growing up a fan of Villa. Agbonlahor has turned from hero to zero for many fans after his attitude and fitness problems of last season, though he has been reintroduced to the fold by Steve Bruce.

Grealish then went on to explain that former captain Delph was the teammate he idolised when he first broke into the first-team picture. Delph notoriously joined Manchester City in 2015 after performing a very public u-turn on his future just days after professing his love and loyalty for the club.

Grealish said: “When I was young I looked up to a few Villa players, like Juan Pablo Angel and Gabby Agbonlahor. From breaking into the first team at Villa I would say Fabian Delph. At that time he was the captain and the main guy at Villa.

“I think a lot of the lads looked up to him at the time. When I first moved into the first team dressing room and started playing a bit more he was the one who put his arm around me and helped me.

“His commitment was second to none on and off the field. Especially off the field – he would be first into the training ground and last to leave. Always in the gym. I think that commitment has helped him get to where he is today.”

Those choices are likely to be met with raised eyebrows – at best – from many Villa fans.

Grealish has played 14 times in the Championship for Villa this season, registering two goals and one assist, but has been criticised by some for some inconsistent form throughout the campaign.