I'm not sure why Grealish links get panned? I think he's a really talented lad. Obviously he has had some issues but he has got a lot of ability
Yeah he really stepped up his play last year. I think finally putting on a bit of muscle helped a lot. But he seemed like a totally new player, with a more determined attitude, and finally capable of riding out some challenges from stronger opponents.
It's a shame Villa have to sell him due to financial issues, because it means he'll likely go to a top club that are prepared to pay closer to what they need for him, but unlikely to give him playing time (stalling a key period in his development). Hopefully if Tottenham do end up getting him, they send him straight out on loan to a club where he'll get a lot of game time.
Because I agree, he has a lot of ability and potential. For one, he is an English player with the actual ability and confidence to take players on. I think the issues many here (and elsewhere) have of him is his relative lack of end product. At the moment, he's not the one banging in a bunch of goals or the one rewarded with the assist.
Yet he seems to be involved positively in most of their play, often dictating tempo, drawing opponents out of shape, and finding players in enough space to assist goals or create clear cut chances. Not saying that's enough, but when you don't have players like that on your team it's amazing how 90 min can fly past and you're left with a draw.
In the right situation, I think Grealish could develop into a national team level player who can actually influence games. At worst, I don't really see him potentially being a total flop anymore. Probably forge out a career similar to what Nathan Redmond or Andros Townsend currently are, which has resale value.
But yeah, clearly Liverpool and/or Klopp are only interested in paying money for players they're confident will challenge for a first team place, or at least provide experience in their rotational use. Otherwise they'd rather incorporate their much cheaper academy prospects.
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