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Micah Richards has claimed that Aston Villa star Jack Grealish suits playing out wide far more than operating in a central position.

The 25-year-old has spent most of his earlier career playing in the centre of the park and even in the playmaker role behind the striker, but there has been a shift in the last year in his game.

Villa manager Dean Smith has commonly used the club captain as a left-winger during the past 12 months, where he’s given a licence to roam and he’s proven to be so dangerous running at full-backs at pace.

He’s started the domestic season on fire, with four goals and three assists in just four appearances across all competitions.

His performances have helped him earn his first two senior international caps and he provided an excellent assist midweek during a 3-0 win over Wales on his first start for his country.

Richards has explained that Grealish can be far more effective starting from a wide berth:

“It’s difficult for Jack because a lot of teams don’t play with a No 10 now. I like him. When Aston Villa beat Liverpool last week, he spent so much time hogging that left side. He says he wants to play central but I think it actually suits him better on the left,” Richards told the Daily Mail.

“Sometimes, that No 10 position is actually harder, in terms of how you receive the ball. International football is often 11 men behind the ball and you often get more space out wide. Look at his assist.

“He faces one, faces two and then he whips the cross in. If you are in that No 10 position, I don’t think he would get the time to do that.”

TBR’s View:

Despite being overlooked for a long period of time, England boss Gareth Southgate simply couldn’t leave Grealish out of the picture any longer and has given the attacker two caps during the past month.

The only thing missing from his game has always been end product and posting high numbers in the goal involvement department, but it looks like that may be starting to change and if that’s the case sure he’ll be a regular in the England squad.

He’s now got better playing around him at Villa after an excellent transfer window by the Midlands club and it should help elevate his game to a new level.