In the vibrant new chapter unfolding at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, Jack Grealish has emerged as the talismanic force the Toffees desperately needed. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder, on loan from Manchester City, has revitalized his career with a dazzling start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, earning praise from former Everton manager Sean Dyche. Speaking on talkSPORT, Dyche reflected on Grealish’s seamless adaptation to life on Merseyside, suggesting that the playmaker’s flair flourishes in a less rigid system than Manchester City’s. “I think Grealish, not questioning Pep Guardiola or their style at all, but Pep wants you to pop it and move more. But he carries it, doesn’t he? He’s carried it well so far. Maybe that bigger fish in a smaller pool suits him,” Dyche remarked, capturing the essence of Grealish’s transformation from a peripheral figure at City to Everton’s creative heartbeat.
Grealish’s impact has been immediate and undeniable. In just two starts, he has registered four assists, powering Everton to victories over Brighton (2-0) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-2), earning a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Month for August. His performances have been a revelation, with his trademark dribbles and incisive passes electrifying the new stadium’s atmosphere. Against Brighton, Grealish drove deep into the penalty area, leaving defenders trailing before delivering a pinpoint cross for Iliman Ndiaye’s historic first goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium. He followed with a precise pass to James Garner for a long-range strike, sealing a memorable win. At Wolves, his two assists and relentless energy earned him another man-of-the-match award, as he orchestrated a thrilling comeback. “He’s a fantastic player, and I think he started fantastically well,” Dyche noted, highlighting how Grealish’s presence inspires his teammates.
Dyche’s comments also shed light on his own tenure at Everton, revealing that he had attempted to sign Grealish and midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall during his time as manager, before his departure in January 2025. “I respect David Moyes and what he’s done. But he’ll know that we were trying to sign a lot of those players last year,” Dyche shared, acknowledging the financial and ownership challenges that prevented those deals from materializing. Under Moyes, who returned to Everton in January 2025, Grealish has found a manager who grants him the freedom to express his maverick style, a stark contrast to the structured demands of Guardiola’s system at City. “He’s signed some very good players,” Dyche said of Moyes, recognizing the squad overhaul that has propelled Everton to a promising start.
Grealish’s journey to Everton came after a challenging spell at Manchester City, where he made only seven league starts last season, sidelined by injuries and tactical mismatches. His £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021 had promised greatness, but the constraints of City’s high-intensity, pass-heavy system limited his flair. At Everton, Grealish has rediscovered his joy, relishing the role of the team’s central figure. “For me, it is just as important. Assisting is just as good as scoring, in my own opinion,” he told beIN Sports after the Brighton win, crediting his time with Kevin De Bruyne for shaping his playmaking mindset. His four assists in 2025/26 already double his output from the past two seasons at City, underscoring his revival.
The move to Everton, finalized on August 12, 2025, with an option to buy for £50 million, has also reignited Grealish’s England ambitions. After being left out of the 2024 European Championship squad, he is determined to impress England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “I felt really good. Out there I could drift, I could do what I want more or less and play with a bit of freedom,” Grealish said, reflecting on the liberty Moyes affords him. As Everton prepare for their next fixtures, Grealish’s form offers hope of a transformative season, proving that sometimes, being the biggest fish in a smaller pond is exactly what a star needs to shine.
Leave a Reply