Jack Grealish
FAN VIEW
How big a role will he play this season and if his utilisation is reduced as age and fitness concerns become factors, how will he handle it?
With the season barely 3 weeks old, we have already entered a fallow period. Positioned between the pandemonium of the transfer window closure and this long UEFA imposed international break, we are given time to reflect on what has happened up to this point, albeit very early in the season.
One thing that got me thinking is the return of Jack Grealish. I watched an interview with Grealish after he joined us for a second loan spell. While I enjoy his relaxed demeanour and his ability to deviate beyond the usual soundbites in front of a camera, his comments concern me.
I don’t see him getting as much game time as he got last year, and therefore I don’t think this will end well for him.
He spoke about being desperate to play in every game (or at least as much as he can), playing week in week out, without any pressure. Why is there a perception that playing for Everton is in some way linked to less pressure? Perhaps a different type of pressure, but pressure nonetheless.
He appeared to be saying that he’s getting older, not as fit or strong as he used to be, and is happy to gradually shuffle off into the sunset at Everton, with a reduced but still VERY handsome wage. Is this just me? Am I so used to seeing over-the-hill players rock up to the Sunny Meadows retirement home for a paycheck and a few cameo appearances?
On the pitch, his deliberate style draws players in, attracts fouls and can win us some free kicks in some dangerous areas. Since the directives in the World Cup, however, whereby referees have been instructed to take a much more apathetic view to personal player protection, my fear is that Grealish will become more and more injury prone, will become a lot more frustrated and attract the wrong kind of attention in terms of bookings for lashing out and harden the perceptions that he is a “diver.”
A lot of the games I have watched since the World Cup have, it seemed, allowed a lot of what would have been clear and dangerous fouls go unpunished, to the benefit of the pace and entertainment of a game.
Grealish’s tendency to slow down play once he receives the ball, waiting on the overlap or left-cutting 8 runs (a-la KDH) means opposition teams can quickly identify this and snuff it out. This style of play is at odds with a player such as Tyrique George who can go at the opposition with pace and cause panic, whereas Tyler Dibling can slow down to draw a defender in before turning on the after burners to beat a player with a sudden blast.
As much as I like Grealish, I feel his utilisation this season will be more reduced. I hope he can handle this mentally, the interviews given since his move suggests otherwise. I wish him well this season as a happy Jack Grealish will be a successful one, and that is only good for us Toffees.
Reader Responses
Selected thoughts from readers25/09/2026 16:56:39
Alan
You are quite right to express reservations about taking on players who are coming to the end of their careers and have not been retained by their respective clubs.I remember similar concerns being aired when we signed Barry,Neville,Distin etc.
I didn’t pick up the same vibes as you though from the interview,but thought his obvious desire to return and play for Everton showed commendable commitment to the club where he felt valued.
That being said he is getting older and some players decline more rapidly as they age,Rooney I think is a good example of this.He does however have a better football brain than anyone else we’ve got by far and hopefully he will create many chances for us as the season progresses.Our problem as you know is converting them!!You say his game is becoming more predictable and therefore easier to snuff out.That maybe so,but opposition fullbacks will still hate playing against him and regardless he will still create chances.
Evertonians I know are still divided on whether we will get enough output from him to justify his big wages,but I think for footballers of his talent it is always worth taking the risk.He certainly raises the expectations of supporters at the HD stadium when he gets on the ball!
I know it’s early days yet, but if he can stay fit throughout the season I’m certain he will make a very positive contribution.
25/09/2026 20:08:30
Keep him off the ale, keep him fresh by playing him less, and just hope that he becomes the catalyst in one of the cup competitions.
Don’t worry if they start talking all your medals away from you Jack, just go and win another one for the real mighty blues!
28/09/2026 03:34:36
Grealish has long since established his reputation as a heavily bevvying young man with prodigious football talent for a few seasons with Villa.
Since they sold him he's regressed as a footballer, unarguably, and it's publicly reported of late that he's still well at it re alcohol, more than occasionally.
The English version of Shandy Van perhaps, another crap signing under Moyes, but on way more wages?
I hope not, but this season will tell.
02/10/2026 08:10:17
I think the article is overlooking a bigger question with Grealish, and for me that's his attitude and application.
I'm not questioning his ability. Technically he's probably one of the best footballers at Everton. But there have been times when his game can look almost too comfortable — taking the ball, slowing things down, drawing a foul and recycling possession when the situation arguably calls for somebody to drive at the opposition and make something happen.
That may actually suit Moyes too well. Moyes naturally prioritises control and defensive security, and Grealish gives him a player who can help him control the game without necessarily taking many risks. The danger is that Everton can end up controlling games they should be trying to win.
That's why I don't think the issue is simply Grealish versus George or Dibling. The younger players bring a willingness to attack space and take defenders on that can force the tempo higher.
I'd also question whether Grealish consistently shows the hunger you'd want from a player who is supposed to be one of your senior attacking players. Wanting to play every week is one thing; showing that urgency when you're actually on the pitch is another.
For me, Moyes needs to be able to demand more from Grealish than simply controlling possession. If he's going to be one of the main players in the side, he has to take responsibility for making things happen, particularly when Everton are drawing games they should be winning.
His ability isn't really the question for me. It's whether his mentality and style encourage Everton to be more ambitious — or whether they make it easier for Moyes to settle for control.I think that could wear thin as the season progresses and Grealish could become the brunt of frustration.Guardiola got frustrated with Grealish.At 30 he will be slower after injury.
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25/09/2026 16:46:22
I agree Alan I don't think he will be as vital. I still think though he will get plenty of game time. He could also act to take over from KDH, and even from the bench he is a formidable option for us.