Jack Grealish marked his full debut for Everton with a dazzling display, setting up both goals in a historic 2-0 victory over Brighton at the newly opened Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 24, 2025. The 29-year-old midfielder, on a season-long loan from Manchester City, not only showcased his flair but also dropped a surprising revelation about his training ground dynamic with teammate Iliman Ndiaye, hinting at a tactical quirk under manager David Moyes. “The manager hasn’t played us together once in training,” Grealish said with a grin in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, recounting a conversation with Ndiaye. “I said to Iliman yesterday, ‘Any chance of the manager playing us together?’ So, this is our first time. Hopefully there will be many goals and assists to come.”
The match was a landmark moment for Everton, as it marked their first competitive outing at their state-of-the-art £802m stadium, a gleaming monument of red brick and steel on Merseyside’s waterfront. Grealish, who joined the Toffees to reignite his career after limited minutes at Manchester City, proved his worth immediately. His driven cross in the first half set up Ndiaye’s historic opening goal at the new ground, a volley that sparked wild celebrations. Later, Grealish teed up James Garner, a local lad from Birkenhead, for a drilled shot that sealed the victory. “As soon as I spoke to the manager on FaceTime, I knew it was the place that I wanted to come to,” Grealish said, reflecting on his decision to join Everton. “I absolutely loved my time at Manchester City, but this summer I felt like it was time for a change.”
Grealish’s performance was a reminder of the flair that made him the Premier League’s first £100m player in 2021. After a challenging final season at City, where he managed just one assist in 20 appearances, his two-assist debut at Everton signaled a return to form. “I felt really good. I don’t want to get into like saying I didn’t feel free before, but out there today I could drift, I could do what I want more or less and play with a bit of freedom,” he shared, his words carrying a sense of liberation. The attacking move that led to Ndiaye’s goal, involving Thierno Barry, Idrissa Gueye, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, showcased Grealish’s ability to spark fluid, cross-pitch play.
The training ground admission added intrigue to Everton’s preparations. Despite their on-field chemistry, Grealish revealed that Moyes had deliberately kept him and Ndiaye on separate teams during practice, a decision that sparked debate among fans. “Can’t lie, it makes a lot of sense for Moyes to ban them from being on the same team in training,” one supporter commented online, while another quipped, “Grealish saying first time him and Ndiaye have played together even in training. Have a word with yourself, Dave.” Ndiaye, who labeled Grealish “an amazing player,” expressed hope for more joint contributions, saying, “Hopefully many more goals and assists for both of us!”
Moyes, in his second stint as Everton manager, praised Grealish’s impact, noting, “The boy who we saw playing for Man City in the year they won the treble is a really exciting player. I hope we can get him back. He probably has something to prove.” Grealish echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his desire to rediscover his fearless style. “Even when I spoke to the manager, he says he wants me to be creative in the final third,” he said. “I want to have that way about me where it’s like I was before, where I have no fear.”
The victory was a perfect start for Everton’s new chapter at Hill Dickinson Stadium, a Euro 2028 venue that replaced the historic Goodison Park after 133 years. With Jordan Pickford’s penalty save and Garner’s local heroics, the day belonged to the Toffees, but Grealish’s flair stole the show. As Everton look to build a strong team under Moyes, Grealish’s debut suggests he could be the creative spark to drive them forward, with fans eagerly awaiting more magic from the new number 18.
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