Joe Cole claims that ‘monster’ Jack Grealish can win PFA Player of the Year

Joe Cole has become the last former professional to greet Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.

The 25-year-old has had a great season so far, playing in the Premier League for Dean Smith and taking advantage of the opportunities England manager Gareth Southgate gave him.

Grealish was the standout player in the Three Lions’ 2-0 defeat to Belgium on Sunday and was praised by former England internationals Jamie Redknapp and Ashley Cole.

And now Joe Cole has given his support to the midfielder, claiming he could win the PFA Player of the Year award if he continues to perform on the pitch.

“ If you could put Jack Grealish as he is currently playing on the field in the World Cup semi-final against Croatia, he would drive us onto the field, win fouls and keep possession and possibly win us the game ” , he says. said on Coral and JOE Media’s All to Play for podcast.

“Our problem has always been keeping the ball in the big moments and now we have the players who are technically good enough to do that.”

As to whether Grealish can make a place in Soutgate’s roster for the European championships next summer, Cole added: “I think Grealish is a great bet for the way he is performing. If he continues to play, he could win PFA Player of the Year this season and how hard would it be to leave him out?

“He makes goals, he makes goals, he’s a monster when he picks up the ball and drives it forward.”

England boss Southgate was impressed with Grealish’s first competitive start for the Three Lions in the Nations League last week.

“I knew I would see someone with the courage to play,” he said.

“I think we got the ball in tight spaces. His technique was good, he took players out of the game. He bought a lot of free kicks.

“I thought he was excellent, he should be happy with the way he played.”