Darren Bent explains how new Aston Villa signing will benefit Jack Grealish

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Darren Bent has told Sky Sports News (Thursday, 12.50pm) that he believes Aston Villa’s move to sign Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley on a season-long loan is a great addition to Dean Smith’s side – and explains how he can help Jack Grealish.

Barkley, 26, joined Aston Villa on loan with confirmation coming somewhat out of the blue on Wednesday. The 33-time England international has decided to leave Chelsea temporarily in order to gain regular first-team football.

With Euro 2021 on the horizon, Barkley wants to play regularly in order to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s side. It will see the former Everton man combine with the likes of John McGinn, Grealish and Douglas Luiz in the Villa midfield.

Former Villa striker Bent thinks the signing of Barkley is great business for the Midlands side, and reckons his arrival could boost new England international Grealish – by taking the pressure off of the Villa skipper.

“I like what Villa have done this summer,” Bent said. “I expect the signing of Barkley to take pressure off Grealish. Barkley can receive the ball in tight areas, can create and score goals and I really like that signing – he can take the pressure off Grealish.”

TBR’s view – Bent bang on, competition could benefit England and Villa

With both players set to rival eachother for a place in England’s 23-man squad ahead of Euro 2021, Barkley and Grealish could form a crucial partnership at Villa Park – and that combination could bring the best out of eachother.

Looking to outdo eachother in order to win a place in the squad next summer could see the duo spur eachother on. While, as Bent says, the added creativity will remove the enormous pressure on Grealish’s shoulders.