Harry Diamond
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed the qualities of Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, describing the playmaker as ‘exceptional’ ahead of his side’s trip to face Dean Smith’s side this weekend.
The Premier League champions travel to the Midlands on Sunday to face a Villa side sitting just outside the division’s relegation places, a position largely thanks to some inspirational performances from captain Grealish.
The midfielder has been amongst his sides stand-out players during the opening months of the season, scoring eight goals and providing a further five assists in all competitions, sparking talk of senior call up to the England squad.
Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in signing the 24-year-old and whilst admitting he was unaware of Grealish’s talents prior to moving to England, Guardiola says he has been left impressed by the Aston Villa playmaker’s level of performance.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Man City boss said: “[Grealish] is an exceptional player.
“I did not know him before I came here [because] he was playing in the Championship [but] an exceptional player, honestly.”
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