Aston Villa and England maestro Jack Grealish has revealed that he watches YouTube videos of players that play in his position before games.
The ritual is not unheard of and is practiced by footballers of all ages but the England international revealed that he immersed himself in YouTube videos of Kevin De Bruyne and Philip Coutinho before England’s heavyweight clash with Belgium in the Nations League.
"For the past 24 hours I've just been watching clips of my favourite players…De Bruyne, Coutinho, loads of players in my position."
Jack Grealish reveals how he prepared for his first competitive England appearance. pic.twitter.com/ZBosOKPef4
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 15, 2020
The Aston Villa playmaker told Sky Sports “The last 24 hours I have been watching clips of my favourite players,”
“I do that every game. I watch clips of Kevin de Bruyne, Philippe Coutinho – loads – players in my positions, I did it as a little kid and still do it today, that’s what gets me going.”
“I absolutely loved it. This is what I have been waiting for, these are the games I have dreamed of.
“I have grew up all life wanting to play for England.
“We wanted to win tonight though so I am devastated we didn’t get the win.
“I knew this was my chance to impress. These are the things I love, the pressure of wanting to do well.”
Unfortunately for the Aston Villa captain his first competitive start for the Three Lions ended in defeat to the No.1 FIFA ranked Belgian side.
By Nageem Nawor