Former Republic of Ireland player Ray Houghton said that if Jack Grealish wishes to make a better career himself, he may have to move on from Aston Villa.
Villa finished the Premier League season just outside the relegation zone on 35 points, grabbing an impressive eight points in their final four games.
With this, the Villains edged out Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich City to keep the club in the top flight for another season.
“Four games ago, it looked like they were doomed but then they got two wins and two draws in the last four matches. So, that was absolutely massive,” said Houghton.
“They had to dig it out yesterday [Sunday] against a West Ham side that are in very good form. Watford’s results in the last couple of games have been pretty poor. Then you had Bournemouth who went to Everton and got a great win that put pressure on Villa, but they did enough to get over the line.”
Houghton believes that the return of the Premier League after three months helped Villa in the long run, allowing Dean Smith to get his players fitter with more matches. He also feels it gave Smith time to organise his team’s defensive set-up.
“The players were getting fitter the more games they were playing. I think early on, you could tell that the pace of the game was quite slow but the more games they were playing they were getting better.
“If they defend well it gives them a platform to get goals. They hadn’t conceded as many goals lately.”
Speaking about that speculation of Grealish’s transfer from Aston Villa, Houghton said that while the player has matured, he doesn’t feel that many clubs would be looking for him due to financial difficulties following COVID-19.
“It depends who’s going to pay the money for him because that was the question mark. He’s been Villa’s best player and he’s the player Villa go to when they’re struggling, He’s come up with so many important goals", said Houghton.
“If he wants to go on and make a better career for himself, he might have to move on from Aston Villa.
“I think as a player he’s grown and on the pitch. He’s taken a lot more responsibility and does a lot more on the ball. It’s quite easy to say move on, but a lot of clubs financially are struggling, and they might not be looking for Jack Grealish.”
While the former Liverpool player said that another year at Grealish’s home club may not be the worst for him. He said the club have money and with the right personnel may entice the Villa captain to stay for another season.
“Villa have a great owner with money and if they can bring in the right personnel and recruitment, they might tempt him to stay for another year and see what success they can get.
“If you can get success with your home club and the club you supported as a youngster, there is no better joy.”
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