Jack Grealish has been hailed as “better than I thought he was” by Everton boss David Moyes after his two-assist performance in the win over Wolves on Saturday.
Grealish, 28, produced two more assists – setting up goals for Beto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – and played a key role in Iliman Ndiaye’s strike, taking his tally to four assists in just three appearances for the Toffees. It’s a sharp contrast to his underwhelming time at City, where he registered only two Premier League assists over the past two seasons.
After the full-time whistle, Grealish ran straight toward the travelling Everton fans, soaking up the adulation like a rock star – a fitting moment for a player who has quickly gone from forgotten man to main man.
“He probably needs a bit of love and attention. He needs the games as well,” Moyes said. “He is even better than I thought. He is making a big difference – whether it’s his assists, his presence, or just the way he plays.”
Grealish is now the first Everton player to provide multiple assists in consecutive Premier League appearances and looks reborn in Everton blue. Despite being overlooked by England manager Thomas Tuchel for the latest squad – with Tuchel opting for Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze instead – Grealish appears determined to prove his worth again.
“He’s showing he’s a good player,” Moyes continued. “It’s nothing to do with me, it’s all to do with Jack and his own mentality to be better. There’s a wee bit to prove, I’m sure – I think we all have that. And I think Jack wants to show what he’s capable of.”
Against Wolves, Grealish was everywhere: 60 touches, 35 passes with a 91.4 percent accuracy rate, seven fouls won, and nearly a goal of his own – denied only by Jose Sa. His return to the West Midlands was marked by a display of the flair and confidence that made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents at Aston Villa.
With Everton looking to stay clear of another relegation scrap, Grealish could be the X-factor Moyes needs. “What Jack gives us is something just on the edge – hopefully the edge of creativeness and maybe scoring goals,” the manager concluded.
