Jack Grealish has never been shy about sharing his footballing inspirations, but in a recent interview with *Sky Sports*, the Manchester City and England star revealed just how much one player in particular shaped his love for the game: David Beckham. As part of the buildup to Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Wolves, Grealish participated in a segment where fans were polled on which three players they believed had the most influence on his playing style and career. The results revealed three iconic names: David Beckham, Paul Gascoigne, and Joe Cole. Grealish opened up about his deep admiration for these footballing legends, particularly Beckham, who he said he “absolutely loved” as a child.
### The Beckham Connection
For Grealish, David Beckham was more than just an England legend—he was a symbol of everything he admired in football. Beckham’s grace on the ball, pinpoint crosses, and dead-ball mastery made him an idol for countless young players growing up in the late ’90s and early 2000s, and Grealish was no exception. “I absolutely loved him. Everyone did, I think,” Grealish shared with a smile during the interview. It’s not hard to see why Beckham became such a central figure in Grealish’s footballing dreams. Like Beckham, Grealish is known for his skillful play on the wings, his ability to beat defenders with flair, and his knack for providing assists with precision passes.
However, Beckham’s influence goes beyond just technical skill for Grealish. Beckham’s off-field persona, his work ethic, and his ability to handle the pressures of fame are qualities that Grealish likely admires. As a fellow England international, Grealish has experienced the intensity of playing for the Three Lions and the level of scrutiny that comes with being one of the country’s biggest football stars. Beckham, who endured highs and lows during his England career, became an expert at managing both his footballing duties and his celebrity status. For Grealish, whose personality and fashion sense have made him one of the most recognizable figures in the Premier League, Beckham’s career serves as a model for how to navigate the unique challenges of being a modern-day football star.
### The Influence of Gascoigne
Another player who had a significant impact on Grealish’s development is Paul Gascoigne, or “Gazza,” one of England’s most iconic and enigmatic footballers. Known for his dazzling dribbling skills, creativity, and larger-than-life personality, Gascoigne was a maverick both on and off the pitch. Grealish revealed that the comparisons to Gascoigne are something he relishes. “I love the way that he played and his character and stuff, the way he was. I’ll take that all day long,” Grealish said, clearly proud to be mentioned in the same breath as one of England’s most beloved players.
Like Gascoigne, Grealish has a flair for the dramatic. His ability to glide past defenders, his vision on the ball, and his free-spirited style of play have all drawn comparisons to Gazza over the years. Both players are the type of footballers who can change the course of a game in an instant with a moment of brilliance. For Grealish, Gascoigne represents the kind of player who can thrive on instinct, playing with a joy and freedom that few others possess. Grealish’s dribbling skills, his willingness to take on defenders, and his ability to pull off the unexpected are all traits that have become synonymous with his game—traits that can also be traced back to Gascoigne’s influence.
### The Joe Cole Factor
The final name on the list of Grealish’s biggest influences is his former Aston Villa teammate, Joe Cole. Once heralded as one of England’s brightest talents, Cole enjoyed a successful career playing for clubs like Chelsea, West Ham, and Liverpool. However, it was during his time at Aston Villa that Cole became a mentor figure for the young Grealish, who was still finding his feet in senior football. The pair only played together for a short period, but Cole’s impact on Grealish was profound.
Cole, like Gascoigne, was a player known for his creativity and flair, attributes that Grealish has emulated in his own career. Cole’s versatility, ability to play in multiple attacking roles, and footballing intelligence were qualities that Grealish soaked up during their time together at Villa. “He was someone I really looked up to when he was at Villa,” Grealish has said in previous interviews. For a young player like Grealish, having a mentor like Cole, who had been through the highs and lows of a footballing career, was invaluable. Cole’s guidance during those formative years undoubtedly helped shape Grealish into the player he is today.
### Living Up to the Comparisons
As Grealish continues his career at Manchester City, a club with its own rich history of world-class talent, the pressure is always on to live up to these lofty comparisons. Both Beckham and Gascoigne became icons for their respective clubs and for England, and Grealish is keen to leave a similar legacy. “I’ll take that all day long,” he said of the comparisons to his idols. Grealish has already cemented himself as a fan favorite, not only for his skill on the ball but for his charisma and personality, much like Beckham and Gascoigne before him.
However, Grealish is also focused on making his own mark in the game. His £100 million transfer to Manchester City in 2021 was a record-breaking move, and since then, he’s been working to establish himself as a key player in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Known for his quick feet, ability to draw fouls, and vision in the final third, Grealish has been instrumental in City’s recent successes, including their 2023 treble-winning campaign. But Grealish still feels there is more to come from him, and he will be eager to show it as he continues to grow into his role at the club.
As City prepare for their clash with Wolves, Grealish will have another opportunity to showcase his talent and live up to the comparisons made with his footballing heroes. With City vying for the Premier League title again, every match is crucial, and Grealish will no doubt be looking to make an impact. Whether it’s channeling the pinpoint accuracy of Beckham, the free-flowing creativity of Gascoigne, or the footballing intelligence of Joe Cole, Jack Grealish is determined to carve out his own place in football history, while paying homage to those who inspired him along the way.