Everton’s Goodison Park is buzzing with renewed optimism, and at the heart of it is Jack Grealish, the on-loan Manchester City star whose dazzling display in a 3-2 victory over Wolves has earned high praise from manager David Moyes. The 29-year-old winger, who joined Everton on a season-long loan in a £12 million deal, proved his worth with two assists and a pivotal role in a third goal, prompting Moyes to declare, “He’s better than I thought he was.” Grealish’s performance at Molineux not only secured three crucial points for the Toffees but also signaled a remarkable resurgence for a player looking to rediscover his spark.
Grealish’s journey to Everton was not without hesitation. With offers from Champions League heavyweights like Napoli and Atletico Madrid on the table, the former Aston Villa captain initially questioned the move to Merseyside. However, Moyes, in his second stint as Everton manager since returning in January 2025, worked his magic, much like he did with Marouane Fellaini in 2008. A compelling FaceTime call sealed the deal, with Grealish later admitting, “As soon as I spoke to David Moyes on FaceTime, I wanted to come here, and today shows why.” His impact has been immediate, with four Premier League assists in just a handful of appearances, matching his tally from his final two seasons at Manchester City, where he struggled for game time and form.
In the Wolves match, Grealish’s flair was on full display. He set up goals for Beto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with pinpoint precision and played a key role in Iliman Ndiaye’s strike, showcasing the creativity that once made him a £100 million player. Moyes, known for his pragmatic approach, has granted Grealish the freedom to express himself, a decision that is transforming Everton’s attack. “It’s nothing to do with me, let me tell you, it’s all to do with Jack and his own mentality to be better,” Moyes said post-match, highlighting Grealish’s hunger to prove his doubters wrong. “There’s a wee bit to prove, I’m sure, I think we all have. I think in life, you’ve always got something you have to strive to do.”
The victory at Wolves marks a turning point for Everton, who have faced challenges with injuries to key players like Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman. Moyes’ vision to inject flair into the squad, with signings like Grealish and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, is paying off. The new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s state-of-the-art home, has galvanized the fanbase, and Grealish’s home debut against Brighton—where he assisted both goals in a 2-0 win—earned him a standing ovation. His ability to create moments of magic, combined with his infectious energy, has made him a fan favorite. “We want more flair and quality,” Moyes noted, and Grealish is delivering in spades.
Grealish’s resurgence comes at a critical juncture. Omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, he is determined to force his way back into contention ahead of the World Cup. His performances at Everton, where he’s playing with a smile reminiscent of his Aston Villa days, have caught the attention of pundits. Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott, speaking on a BBC podcast, praised the move: “I thought this is perfect. And this is a player aiming for the World Cup. We all want to see Jack Grealish playing with a smile. That’s when he plays with that freedom and that energy.” Walcott’s words capture the essence of Grealish’s revival—a return to the joyful, maverick style that defined his early career.
As the transfer window nears its close, Moyes remains cautious about further additions but is focused on building around his flair players. Grealish’s loan move, though costly, is proving to be a masterstroke, with his contributions lifting Everton away from the relegation zone and toward a brighter future. For Grealish, the challenge is clear: maintain this form, silence the skeptics, and reestablish himself as one of England’s premier talents. With Moyes’ backing and a passionate Everton fanbase behind him, the stage is set for Grealish to continue his remarkable redemption arc.
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