Declan Rice has praised Jack Grealish’s impact for both club and country and has said people don’t realise just how good the Manchester City star is.
Both players were on target in England’s 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday night that leaves the Three Lions sitting second in their Nations League group after four games. Grealish got the ball rolling in the first period as he fastened onto Angel Gomes’ through ball and confidently stroked the ball into the bottom corner.
It was his second goal in three international caps under Lee Carsley – as many as he managed during Gareth Southgate’s tenure. Following the disappointment of being omitted from the England squad at last summer’s Euros, Grealish has looked rejuvenated under the new set-up and has also enjoyed an impressive start to the season at club level, playing in all of City’s last nine matches.
Speaking after England’s win in Helsinki, Rice praised Grealish’s impact, and clearly the burgeoning rivalry between Arsenal and City hasn’t impacted their relationship.
“Do you know how good Jack Grealish is? Honestly, you watch him in training and in games, and he’s got something that’s really special as a football player,” Rice told ITV Sport.
“I’m not saying that because he’s one of my best friends in football; the way he takes the ball under pressure, takes touches, relieves you of pressure as a team is just incredible.
“For him to score again for England. He’s been playing loads at Man City as well, he’s looked really confident as well. I’m buzzing for him because when we’ve got a Jack Grealish who is happy and smiling and playing well, he’s a massive boost for England and I think everyone can see that.”
Grealish was England’s star performer in Finland and carried a constant threat down the left flank. Carsley had previously deployed the former Aston Villa captain in a central position, and he has clearly enhanced his status at international level.
Grealish, who dedicated his goal on Sunday to his newborn daughter Mila, recently thanked Carsely for his impact since taking up the interim manager’s job and said he ‘can’t speak highly enough of him’.