Jack Grealish could link up with his “favourite player ever” if he completes a move to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this summer. City submitted a British-record £100million bid for Grealish on Friday in an attempt to force through a quick sale from Aston Villa. Should the deal go through, he will also have an opportunity to link-up with Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad – a player Grealish has described as his “favourite ever.” In an interview with Andy Townsend on Villa TV last year, Grealish revealed his appreciation for the City midfielder.
Jack Grealish said: “I’m half starstruck when I play against Kevin De Bruyne because he’s my favourite player ever. I think he’s unbelievable, I think he’s easily the best player in the Premier League at the moment. He’s someone I personally look up to at the moment and try and, not base my game on him, but try and take stuff from his game and put that into mine.”
Grealish and De Bruyne have been two of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League over the course of the previous two seasons. They both ranked in the top three for big chances created last season and were only surpassed by United’s Bruno Fernandes. Whether De Bruyne and Grealish will be able to partner-up at the Etihad remains to be seen. Much will hinge on Villa and their willingness to allow their academy graduate and captain leave the club this summer, with the Villans prepared to offer him a new £200,000-a-week deal to stay.
