BBC pundit: This Aston Villa ace will find it difficult to get back into the team
By Amir Mir
BBC pundit Richard Sneekes has stated that Aston Villa ace Jack Grealish will now find it “difficult” to get back into the first team picture.
The 21-year-old started his side’s 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest last Saturday which resulted in him getting sent off with the scoreline at 1-1.
Grealish’s dismissal turned the tide of the game as Steve Bruce’s side went on to lose another Championship game – their fourth of 2017.
For the Forest match, Bruce opted to change tactics, fielding a 3-5-2 formation with Grealish playing in behind the two strikers.
But with the additions of midfield trio Henri Lansbury, Conor Hourihane and Birkir Bjarnason in January, his playing time may now be cut short.
Former West Brom player Sneekes thinks that will be the case as he explained why the club’s academy product will now struggle to get back into the starting XI.
“I think if he is going to play 3-5-2 then there is only one position that Jack Grealish will play,” Sneekes told BBC Radio West Midlands. “And It won’t be left wing-back, it’ll probably be the number ten role.
“Bruce has brought a couple of midfielders in – He [Grealish] will find it difficult to get back into the team for me.”
It was the second time this season that Grealish was shown a red card, having received his marching orders during a Midlands clash against Wolves in mid-October.
During the Forest match, Grealish was shown two yellow cards by the referee, therefore, he will only be suspended for one match.
Villa take on league strugglers Ipswich Town on home soil this Saturday as they will be searching for a much-needed three points.
The likes of Andre Green, Mile Jedinak and Neil Taylor will be in contention to replace Grealish, the latter might end up playing in a wing-back role if selected.
In other Aston Villa news, Steve Bruce should be wary of losing this standout duo in the summer.
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