Jack Grealish is a 'world class' player on the level of Mason Mount and Phil Foden, according to Micah Richards.
The 25-year-old made his first Premier League start for Aston Villa since February in the 2-1 win at Tottenham following a shin injury, and played 73 minutes in an impressive display before he was replaced by Douglas Luiz.
A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and Manchester United, have been linked with moving for the England international this summer, with the duo set to finish as champions and runners-up this season.
Despite returning to fitness, Grealish is in a battle to make England's starting XI for the Euros with Mount and Foden, who have starred for Champions League finalists Chelsea and Manchester City respectively this term.
But speaking to Sky Sports, Sportsmail columnist Richards believes Grealish deserves to be playing at the top table of European football like his Chelsea and City counterparts.
'He's such a wonderful talent,' Richards said.
'I'm running out of superlatives for him, really. He's getting back to his best, there's no doubt. We're talking a world class player here. He's world class now.
'It's always going to be difficult. I don't want to speculate. When you see Grealish and the likes of Mason Mount and Phil Foden lighting up the Champions League, this guy is on the same level as them.
'He's a Villa man. Unless someone comes in with a decent offer... he's got Villa in his heart. He's a top player.'
Jamie Redknapp meanwhile insisted the Villa captain remains as crucial as ever to Dean Smith's side, indicating they are not close to being a one-man team sometimes.
'A lot of players are going to want to go away, looking for moves. Who knows what financial constraints will be on clubs this summer?,' Redknapp added.
'His importance to Villa... that goes without saying. They're not far off a one-man team at times. The crowd love him.'
Grealish - who has scored six goals and registered 10 assists this campaign - had been sidelined for 12 games due to his shin injury, with Villa winning just three games in that time.
