Five players to watch in the Championship this season

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Jack Grealish – Aston Villa

Stoned, slated, and satirized, many forget that beneath all of Grealish’s on-pitch woes and off-pitch controversy he is a uniquely talented player. Loser of all sixteen Premier League games he took part in last term, Grealish cut a dejected figure for much of Villa’s ill-fated top flight campaign. Di Matteo has done well to bring in consummate professionals in the shape of Tom Elphick, James Chester, and Ross McCormack to bring a semblance of expectation and order to the Villa Park dressing room. Under the Italian, Grealish has a clean-slate, an opportunity to forget the baggage of the Remi Garde era and focus on honing his undoubted talent.

A tricky winger with a barnstorming shot, the explosive Englishman has the potential to tear apart second-tier full-backs. In a side with Gestede, McCormack, and Ayew sharing attacking duties, Grealish won’t consume the attention of opposition back-lines. This attacking freedom will give him the chance to cut inside from his preferred left-flank and combine with McCormack, or hug the touchline and deliver balls to the imposing Gestede. The twenty-year old already notched a brilliant solo goal in week two against Rotherham, but he will have to add consistency to his repertoire if he is to rebuild a wounded reputation.

Featured Image: Some rights reserved by Ben Sutherland