The past year has been a challenging one for Jack Grealish. After reaching the heights of football success as a key player in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign, the 28-year-old has faced a difficult road marred by injuries, inconsistent form, and a disappointing omission from England’s squad for Euro 2024. Once heralded as one of England’s brightest stars, Grealish has struggled to recapture the magic that made him a pivotal figure for both club and country.
Yet, as Manchester City looks to rediscover their dominant form in the Premier League, there are signs that Grealish’s fortunes might be about to change. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, the Aston Villa academy graduate appears poised for a potential reinvention—a shift that could not only reignite his career but also provide a vital spark for City’s title defense.
A Struggle to Find Form
Following his remarkable 2022-23 season, where Grealish’s contributions helped City secure the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, the midfielder was expected to build on his success. However, a string of injuries and persistent struggles with form derailed his momentum. While he initially showed glimpses of promise under Lee Carsley, England’s interim manager, further setbacks extinguished any hope of sustained progress.
His omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad served as a glaring reminder of how far Grealish had fallen from the spotlight. Watching from the sidelines as his national team advanced without him was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow.
Pep Guardiola’s Tactical Experiment
Despite these struggles, Guardiola’s faith in Grealish has not wavered. Known for his innovative tactical approach, the Manchester City manager recently unveiled a surprising new role for the Englishman. During City’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, Guardiola deployed Grealish as a central midfielder—a position that capitalized on his technical ability and game intelligence.
“Our football is always built from the midfield,” Guardiola explained post-match. “The quality. They make our tempo and the way we have to play. Against Forest, Jack gave us that pace. When to accelerate and control, he did it really well. I’m so happy for him.”
This experiment marked a departure from Grealish’s usual role as a left-sided winger, where he has predominantly operated since joining City in 2021. In his central midfield role, Grealish delivered a performance that showcased his adaptability and skillset. He registered 77 touches—third only to Ilkay Gundogan (93) and Ruben Dias (92)—and contributed significantly both defensively and offensively.
A Standout Performance
Against Nottingham Forest, Grealish displayed a well-rounded game that highlighted his versatility. He created three chances for his teammates, completed two tackles, and even managed two attempts on goal. These contributions were instrumental in helping City end their winless streak and notch their most expected goals (xG) in nine matches. For the first time since October 5, City scored three goals in a league match, a testament to their renewed attacking verve.
Yet for Grealish, one glaring issue remains: his lack of direct goal contributions. Should he fail to score by December 16, it will mark a full year since his last Premier League goal. In that time, he has managed only one assist, a statistic that has fueled criticism from some quarters. Guardiola, however, remains optimistic about his potential in this new role.
“Playing in the middle, Jack was involved in many things,” Guardiola noted. “Hopefully in the next games, if I decide to play him in that position, he can be involved in the final third and decisive in goals and assists.”
Rediscovering Confidence
For Grealish, this shift in position represents an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and prove his value in a team stacked with talent. While it may be premature to declare this a permanent change, the early signs are promising. Grealish’s ability to dictate the tempo, break defensive lines, and maintain composure under pressure aligns well with Guardiola’s tactical philosophy.
Additionally, the return of Kevin De Bruyne to full fitness has eased the creative burden on Grealish, allowing him to focus on integrating into his new role. De Bruyne’s goal and assist against Forest were widely hailed as the turning point in the match, but Guardiola’s tactical adjustment with Grealish quietly played a crucial role in City’s resurgence.
A New Jack Grealish?
The potential for Grealish to thrive as a central midfielder raises intriguing possibilities for both Manchester City and the player himself. While his performances in this role are still in their infancy, there is enough evidence to suggest that Guardiola’s experiment could yield long-term benefits. By leveraging Grealish’s technical proficiency and tactical awareness, City might have found a solution to their recent midfield struggles.
For Grealish, this reinvention offers a chance to move past the disappointments of the last year. More importantly, it positions him as a central figure in Guardiola’s plans moving forward. If he can translate his training ground form into consistent match performances, Grealish could re-establish himself as one of the Premier League’s standout players.
Looking Ahead
As Manchester City continues their push for domestic and European glory, Grealish’s development in this new role will be closely monitored. The coming months represent a pivotal period in his career, with opportunities to silence critics and remind fans of the player who dazzled at Aston Villa and played a crucial role in City’s treble-winning campaign.
Ultimately, Grealish’s success in this central midfield role could redefine his legacy at Manchester City. While the road ahead is far from certain, the early signs suggest that Guardiola’s gamble may have unearthed a “new Jack Grealish”—one who is ready to take on new challenges and lead City’s charge for silverware.