Jack Grealish, the charismatic winger who once dazzled at Aston Villa, is writing a new chapter in his career at Everton, and his performances are impossible to ignore. The 29-year-old, on loan from Manchester City, has ignited the Toffees’ attack, becoming the first Everton player to record two or more assists in consecutive Premier League matches. His scintillating displays in a 2-0 victory over Brighton and a 3-2 thriller against Wolves have not only won over Everton’s passionate fanbase but also served as a resounding statement to England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup. As former Everton striker Louis Saha boldly declared, “He will be there,” signaling Grealish’s near-certain inclusion in England’s World Cup squad if his form persists.
Grealish’s move to Everton, finalized in August 2025 with an option to buy for £50 million, was a calculated gamble to revive a career that had stagnated under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Limited to just seven Premier League starts last season and excluded from City’s Club World Cup squad, Grealish faced a crossroads. His decision to join Everton, where he reunited with manager David Moyes, has proven transformative. “As soon as I spoke to David Moyes on FaceTime, I knew this was the place I wanted to come,” Grealish said post-match, his infectious enthusiasm evident as he soaked up the adulation of over 50,000 fans at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Against Brighton, Grealish delivered two assists in 52 minutes, setting up Iliman Ndiaye’s opener and James Garner’s long-range strike. “For me, it is just as important. Assisting is just as good as scoring, in my own opinion,” he reflected, crediting lessons learned from Kevin De Bruyne at City.
The following week at Wolves, Grealish continued his masterclass, assisting Beto’s opener and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s decisive goal while playing a key role in Ndiaye’s effort. His four assists in two games—a feat unmatched by any Everton player since Opta began tracking—have drawn comparisons to De Bruyne, with even City’s Erling Haaland chiming in, posting, “Jack De Bruyne does it again for Everton.” Moyes, initially skeptical, admitted, “He is even better than I thought. He probably needs a bit of love and attention. He is making a big difference.” Grealish’s stats tell the story: he leads Everton with six chances created, 13 possession wins, and seven progressive carries, rediscovering the flair that made him a £100 million star.
Tuchel, a long-time admirer, has yet to include Grealish in his England squads since taking charge in January 2025, citing a lack of game time. “I love Jack. I love his personality, I love his quality. The guy has courage,” Tuchel said in March, but opted for Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze for recent World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. With Bukayo Saka sidelined by injury, Grealish’s resurgence could force Tuchel’s hand. “There’s no doubt I am a big fan of Jack Grealish. Big players and big personalities, always in the mix,” Tuchel noted, acknowledging Grealish’s desperation to return. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock praised Grealish’s work rate, saying, “He’s a maverick, but he can play in a system and work hard for the team.”
Grealish’s journey hasn’t been without scrutiny. Earlier this year, Tuchel cautioned against off-field distractions after Grealish was pictured on late-night outings, saying, “It’s not ideal if he’s in the newspapers and out there in public.” Yet, Grealish’s focus at Everton is undeniable. “I felt really good. Out there I could drift, play with a bit of freedom, take more risks,” he said, relishing the liberty Moyes grants him as a No. 10. His telepathic connection with Ndiaye, whom he’s assisted twice, has Everton fans dreaming of a permanent stay, with the club reportedly poised to lead the race for his signature next summer.
With 39 England caps and a World Cup on the horizon, Grealish’s Everton revival is perfectly timed. “Ahhh really really enjoying it!! What a team and club. Away support was unreal!” he posted on Instagram, his joy palpable. As Everton prepares for upcoming fixtures, Grealish’s performances are a clarion call to Tuchel: the maverick is back, and he’s ready to shine for club and country.
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