Manchester United legend-turned-pundit Rio Ferdinand believes Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish would prove a better signing for the Red Devils than Leicester City’s James Maddison. Both players have impressed for their respective clubs during the current campaign and they have already been mentioned as possible transfer targets for elite Premier League clubs.
United bolstered their attack at the midway stage of the season with the purchase of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting but they are still expected to pursue another attacking midfielder ahead of next season. In a Q&A session on Instagram, Ferdinand was asked by a fan to choose between Grealish and Maddison to sign for United this summer and he happened to go with the former, who is more versatile and has impressive ball playing abilities.
He quipped: “They’re very different players. Maddison is someone who can get the ball, he can pop it about. He gets goals, gets assists, sets up chances, he’s sharp, he gets in good positions to create things. Very good footballer. I like him. Grealish can take people on. Grealish gets the ball, he can manipulate the ball, draw players to him. That’s what I like about Grealish. He’s got that bit of arrogance as well. Knows he’s a good player that’s producing. He just edges it for me.”
Grealish has contributed seven goals and six assists for the Villains in the Premier League this term but the west Midlands outfit are still facing the prospect of relegation within 12 months of returning to the top-flight. Grealish is currently valued at around £60m by Dean Smith’s side but that valuation could drop significantly, suppose the club are unable to beat the drop this term. Villa are currently two points adrift of safety but they have an extra game in hand against Sheffield United at home.