That’s the way to Sou it
GREALISH GOES ON STAT ATTACK
DEAN SMITH admits Jack Grealish is obsessed with his stats and is ready to ram them back at critic Graeme Souness.
The Aston Villa captain looked back to his best against Crystal Palace for the club’s first win in 11 games.
It was a welcome return to form for the £70m-rated Manchester United target, the most-fouled player in the Premier League.
That stat sparked criticism from TV pundit Souness who said he is potentially holding on to the ball too long.
Grealish responded by Tweeting, “You can’t please everybody” alongside the stat showing he is second only to Kevin De Bruyne in chances created.
Smith needs Grealish to shine tonight at Everton as Villa battle against the drop.
The Villa boss said: “Does he get stung by criticism? Probably, I think everybody does. If you get criticised, you want to prove people wrong. Hopefully he’s doing that.
“He has been striving to put in good performances. He probably hasn’t got to the levels he would have liked to in the first six games.
I can assure you it has not been for the want of trying. But he certainly got there against Palace.”
As well as earning the free-kick for Villa’s opener against Palace, Grealish won possession back nine times, a post-restart high for him. He also had two shots on target and created three chances.
Smith added: “Jack will be the first one who tells you everything about his stats. He knows more than even our analysts.
“He speaks to the coaches about what he can do better. That’s all you want from a player who asks questions and pushes us as coaches to make them better.”
Everton keeper Jordan Pickford has been told his form must improve after a series of below-par performances since the restart.
Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti held talks with the under-fire England No.1 on Tuesday.
“I know that he is not doing well,” said the Italian. “I spoke with him. He has to be focused on himself, on his performance, day by day to try to be better.
“I don’t know if he feels pressure or doesn’t feel pressure. I think that pressure is a part of your job, you have to feel pressure but pressure can be a good gasoline for your job.”