Arsenal: 3 reasons why Jack Grealish worth whatever is necessary

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Jack Grealish of Aston Villa acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa at American Express Community Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Jack Grealish of Aston Villa acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa at American Express Community Stadium on January 18, 2020 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 01: A dejected Jack Grealish of Aston Villa with Aston Villa manager Dean Smith during the Carabao Cup Final between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on March 1, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 01: A dejected Jack Grealish of Aston Villa with Aston Villa manager Dean Smith during the Carabao Cup Final between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on March 1, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

2. He has a terrific attitude

There have been plenty of brilliant players producing sensational moments for lesser teams in the Premier League. Adel Taarabt was astounding at times for QPR and Fulham. Xherdan Shaqiri could produce the magical at Stoke. Dimitri Payet, Felipe Anderson and Marco Arnautovic were sensational for West Ham at different periods.

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The problem with lots of these players, however, is their attitude. They may boast all the talent in the world, and in theory have the aptitude to make it at an elite Premier League club, but their work-rate, character, and commitment let them down. As a result, they never cut the mustard at the highest level.

The same cannot be said for Grealish. It was a question hanging over him when he was younger. At one point, it looked as though the midfielder might waste his inordinate ability. Jamie Carragher once said he was running out of chances when pictured out late at night. He struggled to be a consistent presence at Aston Villa and was frequently in and out of the team. And then he figured it all out.

Fast forward three years, Grealish is inspiring the team to promotion from the Championship as club captain. He is mature enough to take a punch from a streaking Birmingham City fan before scoring the winner later in the match. He speaks to the media with humility, self-awareness, and intelligence. He is a brilliant character, most importantly, and he has a terrific attitude. That means he can be trusted. He will not waste his talent.