Aston Villa boss Smith: Grealish knows defenders will target him

Tribal Football

·23 November 2020

Aston Villa boss Smith: Grealish knows defenders will target him

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith says skipper Jack Grealish is used to being a “targeted" man after he came in for rough treatment during Saturday's defeat to Brighton.

Grealish was awarded seven free-kicks against the Seagulls and Smith later described the 25-year-old, the most fouled player in the Premier League this season, as having been kicked “from pillar to post".

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But while Grealish's profile has never been higher, following his recent England breakthrough, Smith believes such treatment is nothing new.

He said: “I felt Brighton tried to stop Jack but he still created chances.

“He got kicked from pillar to post at times but I still believe we are creating good chances that should have helped us win. It hasn't stopped since I first came to this club, Jack Grealish is a targeted man."