With a world class striker on the books in Christian Benteke, it is strange to see Villa sitting 23 games in with only 11 goals and a -19 goal difference to match – Is it how Lambert uses Benteke that is making our own goal count as low as it is or has Benteke’s goal scoring prowess of his first season finally dried up. After close analysis, it is neither of these reasons. The main factor is creativity, and there is a certain 19 year old winger named Jack Grealish waiting in the wings who can solve Paul Lambert’s problems.
With a surprising amount of technique and speed to match, Jack Grealish is one of the finest talents to come out of the Villa academy in recent years, a view that was entrenched into the minds of all Villa fans after seeing him run a riot in League 1 for Nott’s County helping them wade off fears of relegation. Although being a bit part player this season, with a lot of appearances from the bench in the latter stages of games in the Premier League, Jack has shown his ability already. Maybe his best appearance so far for Villa was against Hull at the beginning of the season where all of the Hull players seemed to have an obvious agenda of fouling him at every opportunity at any cost, but how can he help Villa and their problems at creating chances?
Grealish is a type of player we haven’t had in a long time, his technical ability is far superior than a lot of players in the squad, which is a change from the pace merchants of Agbonlahor, Weimann and Vassell we have produced in this era – his technical ability goes hand in hand with what we need at the moment. Benteke isn’t your traditional target man if a target man at all, he’s a complete forward that needs proper supply and Grealish, with his dangerous runs and ability to find and create space gives that to the team without a shadow of a doubt. Having a front 3 of Agbonlahor, Benteke and Weimann is becoming predictable, Grealish offers unpredictability not just because he’s 19 and still yet unproven, because he can ghost past full backs and centre backs with ease.
Lambert has been trying to slowly increase his inclusion to the team, but he’s been apprehensive in his attitude and body language. This suggests he doesn’t truly believe in the 19 year old winger, yet at least. Grealish needs the full support of all coaching staff if he is going to have a starting place week in week out. I think Lambert’s apprehension to play Jack is hindering his development. One example is the youngster’s last minute chance against Burnley. Grealish looked more than inept to deal with the chance, but didn’t have the confidence to make the right decision or try and play in his normal, creative way. I think that comes from Lambert’s player management.
Do you agree with James? Should Grealish be granted more involvement? Let us know what you think on twitter, our handle is @TheVillansVoice.
