da roleta： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
da cassino： Dean Smith’s decision to move the Aston Villa captain onto the wing could help Conor Hourihane rise to prominence in the Premier League.
On the chalkboard
Hourihane was a key player in the Villa side that got promoted from the Championship last season, making 35 starts and 11 substitute appearances throughout the season and play-offs, scoring eight goals and assisting another 12.
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However, with Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba adding further competition for Hourihane, alongside John McGinn and Grealish, it was always going to be a struggle for him to get consistent minutes in the Premier League.
And that has proved to be the case, with the Republic of Ireland international starting just one of the first six games this campaign, being left on the bench for three of those.
Getting more game time
However, things have been looking up for the 28-year-old, as he has made four starts in the team’s last seven matches.
This upturn in game time for him directly coincides with Smith’s decision to move Grealish to the left wing, where he has stayed since the Burnley draw – that was the first of Hourihane’s starts after his period of obscurity.
Hourihane has shown that this can pay dividends for the team, as was the case on Monday against Newcastle United, with the midfielder getting a goal and assist, as well as completing 98% of his passes.
Another important aspect of this is that Grealish has not suffered from the move, as the club captain has managed two goals and two assists in the five games he has played out wide – Smith may have made a masterstroke with this tactical switch.
In other news, Grealish has received a message of support from a fellow English talent.