This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers..

Dean Smith has spoken about Jack Grealish’s ability to play out wide, as well as in midfield, praising him for his attitude and versatility.

What did he say?

Grealish has been playing on the left-wing in each of his last five games for Villa, something that has allowed Conor Hourihane to get more time on the pitch.

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This has not impacted the club captain’s performances though, as he has notched up two goals and two assists during that period, with some of those playing an important role in wins against Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United.

Smith has outlined his reasoning behind moving him, as shown on Aston Villa’s official Twitter page: “He can play a number of positions. I just think with the balance of our team at the moment, playing in the wide left area helps us and suits him. There’ll be times when he goes back and plays as an eight as well.”

As quoted by FourFourTwo, the Villa manager has also added: “That’s the thing a mature Jack knows now, that he is doing a job for the team by being there.

“I feel he gives the opposition problems when he gets on the ball and runs at them, and as we saw against Newcastle, he won two free-kicks that led to two goals.”

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More than just talent

This shows how important aspects outside of Grealish’s talent are for his Aston Villa contribution, as they look to continue moving forward in the Premier League.

There is a real feel-good factor at Villa Park this campaign, as highlighted by the way in which Smith’s face lit up when he spoke about another night under the lights at their home.

He also described the stadium as Grealish’s “happy place”, which shows just how much the 24-year-old enjoys playing there.

The fact that such a key player is loving being at the club so much, not displaying an egotistical outlook on the position he plays, can only be a positive for the manager and team.

Grealish’s talent is, obviously, an important part of his game, but it is the other aspects he is showing that make the homegrown star truly talismanic.

In other news, Grealish received praise from a fellow exciting English talent.