SCARY! Blues star Crowley an unbelievable talent – Jack
VILLA skipper Jack Grealish has labelled Birmingham City playmaker Dan Crowley as “out of this world”.
Grealish played with Crowley during his youth-team days at Bodymoor Heath before the youngster was poached by Arsenal, aged just 15.
The pair were in the same sides growing up and tasted success together by winning the muchacclaimed NextGen tournament in 2013.
Villa’s No.10 was asked who the best players were during his academy days, and said: “Danny Crowley, who’s at Blues now. He left Villa to go to Arsenal.
“His talent was just scary. He was unbelievable, out of this world. That’s how he ended up getting his move to Arsenal.
“I don’t know why things didn’t work out as well as he wanted to there.
“He’s had a good season at Blues this season. The fans kind of like him, I’ve heard.”
Grealish bigged up another Villa academy star and fellow NextGen winner who didn’t quite make it at Villa Park, Jordan Graham.
The “unbelievable” winger signed a pro deal in March 2012 but never made a first-team appearance before joining Wolves on a permanent deal in January 2015.
Graham, 25, who has made 17 firstteam appearances for Wanderers, is on loan at League One Gillingham with his Molineux contract set to expire this summer. “Everyone who coached them and played with them would say the same and that’s Jordan Graham, who’s a winger,” said Grealish, declaring how both Graham and Crowley were destined to play in the Premier League one day. “When you looked at them when you’re a kid, you’re like they have to (play in the Premier League).
“I think he’s at Gillingham now. Honestly, he was unbelievable. The skills, he just had everything as a winger. He had so much confidence. The most confidence I’ve ever seen in a young footballer.” Grealish added: “I keep in touch with (Crowley) and Jordan. Fingers crossed, they can kick on in the next few years and get to where they should be.”