The Three Lions crushed Ireland on Saturday, last week, in the UEFA Nations League qualification. Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice, opened the scoring in just the 11th minute of the game. However, it was a special match for all the Manchester City fans as their star forward, Jack Grealish, scored the second goal for England.
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is once again in the news
This is the first time Jack Grealish was involved in a goal since his involvement in the Champions League quarter-final match against Spanish side, Real Madrid. However, Jack Grealish provided an assist for Manchester City in the pre-season against Barcelona. Last season, Jack Grealish only made 36 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions and scored only three goals.
The English international was not good enough last season for City due to injuries and less playing time. Grealish was not involved in the England squad for the Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate due to his poor performance at the club level. Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, also used Jack Grealish more as a substitute player more rather than a starter last season.
With the arrival of Jeremy Doku, and recently Savinho in this summer transfer window, Grealish could be feeling left out in Manchester City. Grealish joined the citizens in 2021 from Aston Villa with a transfer fee of £100m, becoming the most expensive English player of all time. The 29-year-old has won everything with Manchester City since his joining the club.
Grealish is England’s new number 10
His last season’s performance at the club level raises concern among the city fans and his future with Manchester City. However, his performance at the international level with a totally different role catches the attention of everyone. England national team’s new head coach Lee Carsley used Grealish in the number 10 position in the last match against Ireland. And it became effective for both Jack Grealish and England. The City star drifted across the frontline and showed off his technical prowess in the tight areas.
In Manchester City, Jack Grealish is primarily used in the left-wing side by the manager Pep Guardiola. However, during his time at Aston Villa, Grealish was more like a number 10 player. England manager Lee Carsley gave him that freedom and put him in the number 10 position. Grealish used his opportunity, gave his best, and scored the second goal to secure the win for the Three Lions.
After the match, Grealish was very happy with his performance and he said,
“Honestly, it was probably one of the worst summers of my life because you can’t not see everything that’s happening in front of you,”
Since joining City, Jack Grealish has made 125 appearances in the last four seasons, netting only 14 goals, and registering 18 assists. For a player of his caliber, this is a very low number. So, Jack Grealish needs that freedom at City to fully unlock his potential. Pep Guardiola should use him in the number 10 position. But the question is will Guardiola use him at that position?
Mostly the number 10 position is fixed for Kevin De Bruyne. So, getting that playing time in this position will be a tough for Grealish.
More Manchester City news
City went in to the international break with a win over West Ham away from home. Manchester City are currently at the top of the Premier League table with nine points in three matches. The Citizens will take on Brentford later this week at home. City’s striker, Erling Haaland, is the top scorer in the league right now, with 7 goals in just three matches.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
