As reported on BBC Sport, Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish is the most fouled player in the Premier League so far this season.
The Englishman has been fouled 111 times this campaign, making him the only player to reach triple figures in that category.
He was at the receiving end of some heavy challenges once again during the defeat to Bournemouth, with Jefferson Lerma being sent off for his body block on Grealish in the second half.
We feel these numbers should be a cause of massive concern for everyone associated with Aston Villa. Why?
Because Grealish is Villa’s star man and the more he gets fouled, the more chances there are of him picking up an injury and that’s the last thing the team needs at the moment.
The 24-year-old has seven goals and five assists but also isn’t afraid to get tough himself, picking up six yellow cards this season (Transfermarkt).
And we feel that fight, grit and determination is exactly what Dean Smith’s side need if they are to stay up this season.
The league season is approaching its crucial stage where survival and relegation could be decided, so Villa need Grealish to be fit and firing until May.
Grealish is wonderful with the ball at his feet and it is very difficult to get the ball off him, which could be a reason why many opponents resort to fouling him.
He’s also one of the most creative players in the Premier League, so stopping him in his tracks is a good way for opposition teams to limit danger towards their own goal.
