Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old England international, has ignited Everton’s 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a dazzling start at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium. On loan from Manchester City, Grealish has rediscovered the flair that made him a star at Aston Villa, amassing four assists in just three matches, including a standout performance in Everton’s 2-0 victory over Brighton and a thrilling 3-2 win at Wolves. As the international break looms, with Grealish controversially left out of England’s World Cup qualifiers, questions swirl about whether he can maintain this scintillating form when Everton face his former club, Aston Villa, on September 13, 2025. With a renewed sense of purpose and the backing of manager David Moyes, Grealish’s resurgence is a beacon of hope for the Toffees, but the challenge now is to keep the momentum alive.
### A Resurgent Star at Everton
Grealish’s move to Everton on a season-long loan in August 2025 was a lifeline after a challenging spell at Manchester City, where he made just seven Premier League starts last season. “I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to,” Moyes said, welcoming the £100 million signing from 2021. Grealish wasted no time proving his worth, delivering two assists in Everton’s historic opener at their new stadium against Brighton on August 24. Driving into the penalty area, he left defenders in his wake before setting up Iliman Ndiaye for the opener and later teeing up James Garner for a 25-yard screamer. “Brilliant, brilliant day,” Grealish beamed post-match, relishing the roar of over 50,000 fans. “We wanted to put on a show for the fans.”
His impact continued against Wolves, where he notched two more assists in a 3-2 victory, earning player-of-the-match honors. Grealish’s nod of a Mykolenko cross led to Beto’s header, and he later set up Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s clinical finish. “He’s even better than I thought,” Moyes marveled, praising Grealish’s work ethic. Beyond his creative output—doubling his assist tally from his last two seasons at City in just 163 minutes—Grealish showcased defensive grit, winning 13 of 17 ground duels and eight recoveries against Wolves. His ability to demand the ball and win fouls, as noted by former Blues defender Michael Ball, brought composure to a nervy performance. “His intelligence extends beyond what he can do with the ball,” Ball observed, highlighting Grealish’s match-reading nous.
### The International Break Challenge
Despite his stellar club form, Grealish’s omission from England’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, announced on September 3, 2025, raised eyebrows. England manager Thomas Tuchel, who has long admired Grealish, opted for younger players, leaving the winger to spend the break in Stockholm, where he enjoyed a lively seven-hour pub session at The Auld Dub. “It was a bit shocking to see him come in,” said bar worker Mattias Mete, describing Grealish’s unexpected visit to watch Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Arsenal. While some fans criticized the off-field antics, others saw it as a deserved break for a player rediscovering his joy for the game. “It was like a UFC chokehold,” Grealish laughed, recalling the passionate embrace of Everton fans after the Wolves win, a moment that captured his renewed connection with supporters.
The international break poses both an opportunity and a risk. With no national team duties, Grealish has time to rest and refine his game under Moyes and alongside new coach Francisco Roig, whose influence has already bolstered teammate Emma Raducanu’s performance. However, maintaining momentum after a pause is critical, especially with a high-stakes clash against Aston Villa looming. “He probably needs a bit of love and attention. He needs the games,” Moyes noted, emphasizing the importance of regular play for Grealish’s revival. His history at Villa, where he thrived as the main man, contrasts with his more restrained role at City under Pep Guardiola. At Everton, Grealish has the freedom to roam, as evidenced by his dynamic touch map in a recent Carabao Cup match against Mansfield Town, where he covered every inch of the pitch.
### The Villa Test and Beyond
The upcoming match against Aston Villa, Grealish’s boyhood club, is laden with emotion. Booed by Villa fans in 2024 due to their rivalry with Everton, Grealish will need to channel his focus to deliver against a side he knows intimately. “Everyone knows Jack’s at his best when he’s got a smile on his face,” said teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who joined from Chelsea and shares Grealish’s hunger to prove himself. With Iliman Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall forming a potent attacking trio, Everton’s fluid style under Moyes suits Grealish’s maverick tendencies. “The manager gives us the confidence to express ourselves,” Dewsbury-Hall added, noting their relentless work rate.
Grealish’s early season stats—four assists, seven ball carries of at least five meters, and a 91% pass accuracy—suggest he could challenge his personal Premier League assist record of nine, set at Villa. “He’s already one-fifth of the way there,” one analyst remarked, predicting further growth as he gels with teammates. However, Everton’s defensive lapses, evident in the nervy Wolves finish, highlight areas for improvement. “A bit scary near the end,” Moyes admitted, urging tactical maturity. For Grealish, staying fit and consistent will be key to sustaining his form and potentially earning a permanent move, with Everton holding a £50 million purchase option.
### A Season of Promise
As Everton aim for a top-six finish, Grealish’s role as a creative linchpin is undeniable. His ability to unlock defenses, as seen in his “masterclass” at Molineux, has re-energized a team that struggled with only 42 goals last season. With the Villa clash on the horizon, followed by a grueling Premier League schedule, Grealish’s challenge is to maintain the spark that has Evertonians chanting “Super Jack.” Whether he can translate his early brilliance into a season-long resurgence remains the question, but for now, Grealish is proving he’s back—and ready to shine.
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