Aston Villa expect to use numerous different tactics and systems this season to soften the blow of Jack Grealish’s departure.
Grealish’s £100million British record move to Manchester City has left Villa fans dismayed but Sportsmail understands boss Dean Smith will feel more confident about trying new formations and tactics without him.
The 25-year-old’s decision to leave deprives Villa of one of the best players in the Premier League, and chief executive Christian Purslow admitted the club needed three players – Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings – to replace him.