"In England, they talk about creative problems in midfield, but Jack Grealish brings that to a team. He deserves a shot."
When a midfield player as accomplished as Kevin de Bruyne speaks glowingly about the qualities and international credentials of a peer, it is worth paying attention.
Game, as they say, recognises game.
The Manchester City player was speaking in the aftermath of England's Nations League win over Belgium last month - a game in which De Bruyne featured, but Grealish did not, despite having excelled in the preceding friendly victory over Wales.
During the past two Premier League seasons, the Aston Villa player has been a ball-carrying, space-finding, chance-providing machine - all things that Gareth Southgate's Three Lions side have lacked of late.