Jack Grealish’s electrifying start at Everton has set the Premier League alight, with the 29-year-old midfielder rediscovering his flair after a challenging spell at Manchester City. On August 30, 2025, Grealish delivered a dazzling performance in Everton’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, registering two assists to bring his tally to four in just two matches. The display prompted his close friend and former teammate, Erling Haaland, to dub him “Jack De Bruyne” on Snapchat, likening Grealish’s creative spark to that of Manchester City’s legendary playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. The nickname, shared with a beaming photo of Haaland, has ignited excitement among fans and fueled speculation about Grealish’s potential to reshape Everton’s season and his own career trajectory.
Grealish’s loan move to Everton from Manchester City this summer came after a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, where he started just seven Premier League matches under Pep Guardiola. Sidelined by younger talents like Savinho and Jeremy Doku, and excluded from City’s Club World Cup squad in June 2025, Grealish faced a career crossroads. Everton manager David Moyes, however, saw an opportunity to unleash the former Aston Villa captain’s potential. “The biggest compliment I can say about Jack is that he’s even better than I thought he was,” Moyes said after the Wolves match, emphasizing Grealish’s impact. “Jack’s form is all to do with him. I’m not taking credit for that. He has a wee bit to prove, I’m sure. He’s making a big difference in lots of ways—whether it be his assists or presence on the field.”
Against Wolves, Grealish was instrumental, setting up Beto’s opening goal with a clever header, delivering a brilliant reverse pass in the build-up to Iliman Ndiaye’s strike, and providing the assist for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s match-winner. His performance marked him as the first Everton player to record two assists in consecutive Premier League games for the club, a feat that has fans buzzing. “He’s a level in quality above anything that they’ve got by a million miles,” said former Manchester United star Gary Neville, highlighting Grealish’s transformative presence at Goodison Park. Everton’s six points from their opening three matches, including a 2-0 win over Brighton where Grealish also notched two assists, signal a promising start under Moyes’ guidance.
Haaland’s playful “Jack De Bruyne does it again for Everton” comment reflects the deep bond forged during their time at City, where they lived on the same floor of a Manchester apartment block. “We have a great friendship, but he will point at me after a game and say, ‘Hey, don’t you go out tonight partying,’” Grealish once said, laughing about Haaland’s disciplined influence. The Norwegian’s support, including a crying emoji on a post captioned “Jack Grealish where are you” during City’s Club World Cup trip, underscores their camaraderie. Haaland’s comparison to De Bruyne, a “unique” player in Guardiola’s words, carries weight, given De Bruyne’s 16 assists in City’s 2023 title-winning season, many benefiting Haaland’s lethal finishing.
Grealish’s resurgence has sparked talk of an England recall under Thomas Tuchel, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming. “Jack wants to show he’s a good player,” Moyes noted, and his early form suggests he’s doing just that. Fans have praised his liberation from Guardiola’s tactical constraints, with one supporter stating, “Being freed from Guardiola’s shackles must be a liberating feeling. He’s playing football properly again.” Another commented, “Pleased for Jack. Now he isn’t being used as a box ticker for squad registration, he can shine.” Grealish’s stats at City—where his dribbles per game dropped 40% compared to his Villa days—highlight how Guardiola’s system curbed his flair, a contrast to the freedom he now enjoys at Everton.
The Wolves match showcased Grealish’s ability to dictate play, with his vision and dribbling reminiscent of his £100 million move to City in 2021. Despite Wolves’ fightback with goals from Hwang Hee-chan and Rodrigo Gomes, Grealish’s influence secured Moyes’ 501st managerial victory. “I’m really enjoying it!! What a team and club,” Grealish posted on Instagram, a sentiment some fans interpreted as a subtle dig at Guardiola’s rigid approach. Haaland’s “What a player” reply further amplified the buzz around Grealish’s revival.
As Everton prepare for their next challenge against Tottenham on August 31, 2025, Grealish’s form poses questions about his long-term future. Will City reconsider his role, or will Everton push for a permanent deal? For now, Grealish is thriving, and Haaland’s “Jack De Bruyne” moniker captures the magic of a player rediscovering his love for the game, proving he’s far more than a supporting act in the Premier League’s drama.
Leave a Reply