On September 16, 2025, Jack Grealish, Everton’s dynamic loanee from Manchester City, found himself at a crossroads. Fresh off a scintillating start to the 2025-26 Premier League season, the 30-year-old winger was left reeling from a painful omission from England’s latest squad under Thomas Tuchel. Despite his dazzling form, including four assists in just two starts for the Toffees, Grealish was overlooked for the national team, prompting Everton manager David Moyes to challenge him to push harder. “He’s making a big difference, but he needs to keep showing it,” Moyes declared, urging Grealish to channel the snub into elevating his game at the club’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Grealish’s arrival at Everton on a season-long loan has been nothing short of transformative. After a frustrating spell at Manchester City, where he started just seven Premier League matches last season, the former Aston Villa star has rediscovered his spark in Merseyside. His debut start against Brighton on August 24 saw him deliver two assists in a 2-0 victory, igniting the new stadium’s atmosphere and earning chants of “Super Jack” from over 50,000 fans. A week later, he repeated the feat in a thrilling 3-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, setting up goals for Beto and Iliman Ndiaye. “He’s even better than I thought,” Moyes marveled after the Wolves match, praising Grealish’s creativity and work rate. “He’s showing a side to his game, defending, tracking back.” These performances earned Grealish the Premier League Player of the Month award for August, a first in his career and a testament to his immediate impact.
Yet, the England snub stung deeply. Tuchel, a known admirer, opted for Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze in Grealish’s position, citing fierce competition. “There’s no doubt I am a big fan of Jack Grealish,” Tuchel said, acknowledging his talent but emphasizing the need for consistent excellence. With the 2026 World Cup looming, Grealish’s exclusion has lit a fire under him. His motivation is clear: reclaim his spot in the Three Lions squad after being left “heartbroken” by missing the 2024 European Championship. Moyes, sensing the opportunity, has been candid about Grealish’s potential to force his way back. “I don’t pick the England team, and I’m glad I don’t because there’s so many good players,” he said. “Jack needs to keep playing well for us to get ahead of them.”
Grealish’s journey at Everton is about more than just redemption. His move to a club without European football offers a chance to be the focal point, a role he relished at Villa but lost under Pep Guardiola’s rigid system at City. “I absolutely loved my time at Man City – I had a great four years there and won a lot of things, but this summer I felt like it was time for a change,” Grealish reflected after his Brighton heroics. At Everton, he’s embraced the freedom to express himself, dropping into midfield to orchestrate play and taking on defenders with the flair that made him a £100m signing in 2021. His synergy with summer signings like Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has revitalized Everton’s attack, making them a joy to watch after years of struggle.
The England snub, while a blow, has only sharpened Grealish’s resolve. His work ethic off the pitch—first in, last out at training, as Dewsbury-Hall noted—reflects his determination. “Jack’s one of the first in and one of the last out every day,” his teammate said, highlighting the dedication behind his on-field magic. Grealish’s 91.4% passing accuracy and seven free-kicks won against Wolves showcase his ability to control games, while his four assists in three matches surpass his output from the last two seasons at City combined. “What Jack gives us is something just on the edge, which, hopefully, is on the edge of creativeness,” Moyes added, signaling his belief in Grealish’s potential to redefine Everton’s season.
As Everton prepare to face Aston Villa next, Grealish’s former club, the stakes are high. A third consecutive match with multiple assists could make him the first Everton player to achieve the feat, further cementing his status as a fan favorite. The club’s new stadium, a “bear pit” in architect Dan Meis’s words, has embraced Grealish as its talisman, with fans mobbing him like a rock star after the Wolves win. “It was like a UFC chokehold,” he laughed, savoring the adulation. With Everton open to a permanent deal next summer, potentially at a reduced £50m due to his contract’s final year, Grealish’s future looks bright. For now, he’s focused on proving Tuchel wrong, one dazzling performance at a time, as he aims to lead Everton up the table and back to the England fold.
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