Grealish has blown World Cup – but can still prove he belongs on biggest stage
Everton manager David Moyes was not happy with his high-profile loan signing after he was given two yellow cards and his marching orders for dissent during the recent draw with Wolves
Of the two Everton dismissals against Wolves recently, the red card for Jack Grealish caused precious little furore. In comparison to the one given to his team-mate, Michael Keane, that is.
Keane was banished for pulling the hair of Tolu Arokodare, Grealish was sent off for two acts of petulant dissent. David Moyes was belligerent in his defence of his central defender but angrily dismissive of Grealish’s behaviour.
Reporter to Moyes: “Will you have words with him?” Moyes to the reporter: “I already have.”
And then, there was a familiar look that more than suggested the reporter moves on to the next question. There was no defending Grealish’s silliness but it was clear the Manchester City man was frustrated.
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With the Keane decision, sure. But also with how his influence on the game had been minimal. And perhaps with how his influence on Everton’s fortunes has been diminishing since a bright start to his loan season.
He set up goals for Beto and Thierno Barry against Brentford at Hill Dickinson Stadium earlier this month, ending a four-month spell without an assist but they were in a losing cause. Grealish has scored twice in 21 appearances for Everton.
Even though his form has levelled out, it would be hard to argue his move to Everton has not been a good one. He is playing a lot of football, for starters.
And, apart from the strop against Wolves, he seems to be enjoying his time on Merseyside. But in terms of output, there has not been enough to put Grealish back in the World Cup conversation.
Which really is a shame. For a start, there is no more infectious character in football and he is surely a great member of any travelling squad.
But he has also been an entertaining maverick in an England shirt. In a three-game period after being left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, Grealish flourished under Lee Carsley and revelled in a freedom he was not afforded by Pep Guardiola.
But that was that. He was last seen in an England shirt on October 13, 2024, scoring in a 3-1 win in Helsinki.
Thomas Tuchel had a word with him in the tunnel at Old Trafford recently but, let’s face it, the chances of him taking Grealish to the World Cup are slim and none. But if and when Grealish lines up against Aston Villa, it should be a reminder that the 30-year-old has been one of the most attractive players to watch in a Premier League that can be a bit uniform.
And despite all his medals and money from Manchester City, it might prompt Jack to wonder if he made the right decision all those years ago when moving to the Etihad. This is a big second half of the season for a smashing player and smashing bloke. Not going to the World Cup – as seems certain – will hurt him.
But Grealish needs to shine enough to show people that, next season, he gets back to where his talent belongs. On the game’s biggest stages.
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