Pires likens ‘complete player’ Grealish to Arsenal legend | OneFootball

Robert Pires has lavished praise on Jack Grealish and has compared the Aston Villa captain to Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp.

Grealish has starred since Aston Villa‘s return to the Premier League this season, scoring nine times and providing a further eight assists in all competitions – the midfielder’s performances likely to see him included in the England squad ahead of this month’s friendly fixtures with Italy and Denmark.

The 24-year-old’s displays have also led to speculation of a big-money move away from Villa Park this summer, Manchester United said to be big admirers, and former Arsenal and Aston Villa winger Pires has praised a player he believes possesses a hint of Gunners’ great Bergkamp.

“Jack is a great footballer with a good technique – and I love watching him play because he reminds me of Dennis Bergkamp,” ex-Villa winger Pires told the Mirror.

“I like to see him playing in the same position as Dennis, as a No.10. He has great vision, he isn’t a selfish player because he always wants to do what is best for the team, and I think he has a great future.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on Jack, because he is still a young player learning the game, and Dennis was an incredible talent and a champion.

“But Grealish is a very complete player and I think the key for him is to keep playing like he enjoys his football.”

Pires added that he believes Grealish should be on the radar of the division’s leading sides, suggesting Premier League champions Manchester City should consider a move for the playmaker as a replacement for the departing David Silva.

“City need to find a replacement for Silva next season – and I think Grealish is someone who Pep will look at,” he said.

“He is English, he has good experience of the Premier League, and he has great technique. But I think Grealish is a player who would interest a lot of top clubs, like United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

“This has been a tough season for Villa, but I think Grealish will take a lot from it. He has learned how to fight every weekend and we have all seen how much it means to him to play for the club.”

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