Jack Grealish reminds me of myself - it doesn't matter if he loses the ball, he always wants it again He's handsome as well!' Paul Gascoigne on why he can't imagine Grealish missing the World Cup

"It doesn't matter if he loses the ball, he always wants it again, Gascogine tells FourFourTwo when asked why Grealish reminds him of himself."

"He's handsome as well! It amazes me when managers put him sub, because he's always dangerous."

"Grealish was born five years after Gazza's spellbinding Italia 90 performances and was yet to celebrate his first birthday when the former Spurs and Lazio star scored his brilliant goal against Scotland at Euro 96, but Grealish has often said that Gazza is his hero."

Modern football has become sanitised, reducing the role of swaggering, free-thinking mavericks. Risk aversion, surging professionalism and increased athleticism make it harder for cult heroes like Rodney Marsh, George Best and Robin Friday to thrive. Paul Gascoigne exemplified that genre with moments of extraordinary creativity and unpredictability. Jack Grealish displays similar traits, retaining a desire for the ball and the ability to unsettle opponents. Grealish is on loan at Everton from Manchester City, wearing the number 18 partly inspired by Gascoigne, and has struggled with fitness and form over recent seasons while still showing dangerous potential.

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