Everyone saw what Aston Villa were capable of last season when they thrashed Liverpool 7-2 at Villa Park. Four wins from four matches to start the season and the team sat second on the table. From there it went downhill after a string of poor results and Jack Grealish getting injured at the backend of the season.
An 11th place finish was better than avoiding relegation on the final day of the season, but with the way the season started it felt like an opportunity was missed.
It was clear there was an over reliance on Super Jack and the difference with and without him was insane, a completely different team. The fans knew it, the players knew it and Jack knew it.
It’s easy for Villa fans and even soccer fans to be upset at his move to Manchester City. A big club came swooping in once again to take a lesser team's star player, but it was always going to happen. The emotional farewell video posted by Jack Grealish himself highlights the journey he has been on with his boyhood club Aston Villa.
From fan, to player and eventually club captain, leading the team out in the Premier League. He could have left when the club was struggling in the championship or when they just survived relegation in their first season back, but the Euro 2020 he produced showed the world what every Villa fan saw weekly and he got the move he deserved.
Without Jack Grealish, Aston Villa would not be where they are today, but the club has to move on and look at the positives.
Almost all of the $140 million transfer fee has been spent already and it is clear the owners want this club to be back at the top competing for trophies. All you have to do is look at the amount of money spent since coming back to the top level, over $500 million, and the signings continue coming in.