In the vibrant new era at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, one name has electrified the Toffees’ faithful: Jack Grealish. The Manchester City loanee, once Britain’s record-breaking £100m footballer, has rediscovered his spark on Merseyside, and manager David Moyes is adamant that the best is yet to come. “There’s a wee bit to prove, I’m sure, I think we all have,” Moyes said, praising the 30-year-old’s mindset after a scintillating start to his loan spell. Grealish’s early performances have not only silenced doubters but also ignited hope that Everton, under Moyes’ steady hand, could be on the cusp of something special.
Grealish’s arrival in August 2025, secured through a season-long loan with a £50m option to buy, marked a bold statement of intent for Everton. After a frustrating final season at Manchester City, where he started just seven Premier League games and was omitted from their Club World Cup squad, Grealish needed a fresh start. Moyes, known for his no-nonsense approach, saw an opportunity to harness the winger’s flair. “I think some of his football has been really good,” Moyes declared after Grealish’s standout display in a 3-2 victory over Wolves, where he assisted goals for Beto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and played a pivotal role in Iliman Ndiaye’s strike. The numbers tell a compelling story: four assists in two starts, a Premier League Player of the Month award for August, and a knack for drawing fouls—nine in the 2025/26 season, second only to Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.
The move to Everton was no accident. Moyes’ candid pitch during a FaceTime call won Grealish over. “As soon as I spoke to David Moyes, I wanted to come here,” Grealish said after his home debut, where he notched two assists in a 2-0 win over Brighton, marking the first competitive match at Everton’s £800m waterfront stadium. His impact was immediate, combining with Ndiaye for the venue’s inaugural goal and teeing up James Garner for the second. “The boy who we saw playing for Man City in the year they won the treble is a really exciting player,” Moyes enthused, expressing his hope to restore Grealish to that level. Off the pitch, Grealish’s charm has endeared him to fans and staff alike, from late-night autograph sessions to a heartfelt video call to CEO Angus Kinnear’s son during transfer talks.
Moyes’ tactical approach has unlocked Grealish’s potential, allowing him to drift between the left wing and No. 10 role while maintaining defensive discipline. Against Wolves, he completed five dribbles, attempted nine take-ons, and led both teams with touches in the opposition’s penalty area, showcasing his ability to dictate play. “He’s better than I thought he was,” Moyes admitted, marveling at Grealish’s creativity and ball retention, which offer Everton’s defense crucial respite. This balance of flair and pragmatism aligns with Moyes’ vision of a team that blends his trademark solidity—last season’s fourth-lowest xG conceded—with a modern, risk-taking style. Everton’s seventh ranking for big chances and fourth for goals per match reflect this transformation.
Despite his early success, Grealish’s absence from England’s latest squad under Thomas Tuchel serves as a reminder of the work ahead. “I think that is a big motivation for him,” Moyes noted, backing his star to challenge for a World Cup spot. Grealish’s performances, including a near-match-winning header against Aston Villa that forced a stunning save from Emiliano Martinez, suggest he’s on the right path. His connection with teammates like Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall, bolstered by pre-signing chats with Jordan Pickford and a chance encounter with former captain Alan Stubbs, has fostered a sense of belonging. “He’s a great boy to have around,” Moyes said, echoing sentiments from City staff who called Grealish a “brilliant lad.”
Everton’s ambitious summer, with a £97m net spend and nine new signings, signals a club reborn after years of relegation battles. Grealish, costing £12m for the season, is the marquee piece of this rebuild. Fans, once resigned to “boring” football, now sing of a “School of Science” revival, with Grealish at its heart. As Moyes targets a European spot, he insists, “Jack wants to show that he’s a good player. I think he’s showing it at the moment.” With a challenging clash against Aston Villa ending in a goalless draw, Grealish’s directness kept the crowd on edge, hinting at the “more to come” Moyes predicts. As Everton dream bigger, Grealish’s resurgence could be the catalyst for a thrilling new chapter.
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