It’s fair to say that very few supporters agree with Chris Wilder’s claim that Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish is the best player in England.
Grealish has earned great praise for his performances this season, and has been a talismanic presence in Villa’s side over a number of years.
The attacking midfielder has even started to make a big impact on the international stage of late.
But very few managers have been as complimentary towards him as Wilder was yesterday.
He said to the Birmingham Mail: “I also hope Jack Grealish doesn’t play (tomorrow). Have another day off Jack, and return at the weekend because I think he is the best player in England.”
The comments have been largely disagreed with by supporters of rival clubs, though, as they feel they are hyperbolic.
Despite Grealish’s brilliance, it is hard to argue that he is the very best player in the Premier League right now.
Even if Wilder did mean that Grealish was the best English player, the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling may have something to say about that, after their years of consistent excellence at the highest level.
What Grealish may well be is the most influential player in England on his own team, though.
Villa don’t look anywhere near as threatening when he isn’t playing, and Dean Smith’s side will be desperate to get him back from injury sooner rather than later.
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