Premier League 2019/20: Ranking the top 10 playmakers heading into the new season

Kevin de Bruyne in action for Manchester City
Kevin de Bruyne in action for Manchester City

#9 Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)

Grealish helped Aston Villa gain promotion last season
Grealish helped Aston Villa gain promotion last season

Jack Grealish is an Aston Villa man through and through, having joined the club's academy in 2001 aged just six, and progressed through the ranks, making his senior bow in 2014.

After a successful one year loan spell with Notts County, Grealish returned to Villa ahead of the 2014/2015 season, and established himself in the Premier League over the next two seasons before his club's relegation in 2016.

Having tried to gain back promotion unsuccessfully for two seasons, Grealish was one of the stars last season as Aston Villa regained promotion through the playoff, making 31 appearances and scoring and assisting six each, while also captaining the side during the home-run period of the season and was for his efforts named into the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

His form did not go unnoticed, and Tottenham launched an ultimately unsuccessful bid for his services, but the boyhood Aston Villa fan would put that behind him to lead the charge in Aston Villa's quest to retain their Premier League status.

He also caused a major stir at international level,as having represented Ireland at youth level, Grealish made a U-turn and decided to represent England at senior level which was a decision that did not augur well with a lot of fans.

The 25-year-old is noted for his precise passing and ability to dribble past players and having departed the Premier League as a boy during his last stint, Grealish has returned a man with his full powers, ready to showcase his abilities at the highest level.

Quick Links