Jack Grealish: Turning doubters into believers

The 40,000 fans who’ve been afforded the privilege of watching Jack Grealish bless the hallowed turf of Villa Park week in, week out, never doubted ‘Super Jack’s’ electrifying ability and abundance of potential.

But now he’s even turned the ignorant doubters of the nation into believers.

Controversially, before this most recent international break, it seemed impossible for Grealish to infiltrate Gareth Southgate’s England starting XI – regardless of his red hot form.

However, it seems that he has at last forced Southgate’s hand and simply cannot be overlooked anymore.

We’ve seen Jack assist Dominic Calvert Lewin and Jadon Sancho against Wales and Ireland respectively, putting in a 7/10 performance from a Villa perspective – yet the nation is still in awe of his abilities.

On the biggest stage against the top ranked side in the world in Belgium, Grealish made a mockery of Axel Witsel, Thomas Meunier, Kevin De Bruyne and more.

The scintillating flick over Meunier’s head personified the fearlessness of Grealish, the sheer audacity of attempting a trick so effortlessly, especially when England were struggling in the game perfectly demonstrates just why any argument for Grealish not to get on the plane next summer is totally invalid.

Despite oozing class, Jack’s feet are so firmly on the ground. In his post-match interview after the Belgium loss, the Villa man explained his pre-match ritual of watching clips of players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Philippe Coutinho – constantly improving his game week by week.

Ironically, the admiration is reciprocated by De Bruyne, which speaks volumes about Jack’s abilities.

Whilst the endless Paul Gascoigne comparisons are nothing but flattering, Jack Grealish is a truly world class talent, the success that he is destined for is incomparable.

He’s making his own destiny, against the odds he dragged his Villa side to promotion to the Premier League, ensured Premier League survival on the last day, helped Villa kick on with an impressive start of the 2020/21 season and did the unthinkable and forced Southgate to pick him for his nation.

Southgate has stated if he passes the fitness test, Jack will start his third game for his nation against Iceland in the Nations League, with another opportunity to shine for his nation on the horizon – the only way this international break gets better for Grealish is if he gets his first goal for his nation.

He’s turned a nation of doubters into believers, he’s never cracked under pressure and he certainly won’t now.

It is his destiny to carry England to success at the Euro’s next summer.

About the Author

Dan Morgan is an Aston Villa season ticket holder and follows the team home and away.

An aspiring sports journalist and football writer, he hosts Heart of the Holte’s podcast ‘The Villa Filler’ as well as writing and editing for Heart of the Holte.

You can follow Dan on Twitter at @danmorgi34