Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has detailed the vital role that Manchester City star Jack Grealish carries out for England.
Grealish scored his first goal for City this season after just 55 seconds against Wolves, as he finally got his campaign up and running. One of the main criticisms of the former Aston Villa midfielder is that he needs to add more goals and assists to his game, something the 27-year-old will no doubt be working hard to improve on.
Pep Guardiola recently defended his player, praising Grealish for his work off the ball, rather than focusing solely on his final output. An ankle injury has hampered the midfielder's run of form, as he looks to use the international break to help him click into gear this season.
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One of Grealish's harshest critics has been former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness, who has not held back regarding his thoughts on the £100million man. However, England manager Gareth Southgate recently defended the City star and told him not to worry about any external criticism he may face.
Southgate said: "We know he’s got great creativity. Jack has contributed well for us, we are happy how he is. We love working with him, he’s a great kid to have around the camp. He’s working at a top club where it’s not easy to get in the team, never mind perform well. I don’t know if he will ever find the level Graeme [Souness] wants!"
Ferdinand has now also thrown his support behind Grealish, as the former United man told his YouTube channel of the key role that Guardiola's midfielder carries out for the Three Lions.
Ferdinand said: "For England, I think Jack should start. Jack Grealish gives us [England] something on the international scene that is different to Premier League football. You need to keep the ball for bigger periods, and he takes the ball, draws fouls, he keeps the ball and gets your team up the pitch.
"We haven’t got the ‘tiki-taka’ style of football, so you need players and individuals who can keep the ball for you for periods and Jack can do that."
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