In a historic moment for Everton Football Club, the Toffees christened their new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a commanding 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on August 27, 2025. At the heart of this memorable triumph was Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old loanee from Manchester City, whose dazzling debut left fans buzzing and pundits talking. With two assists to his name, Grealish orchestrated the win, setting up Iliman Ndiaye’s historic opener and James Garner’s stunning long-range strike. Yet, despite his immediate impact, former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand believes Grealish’s true potential remains untapped, urging Everton to grant him the “freedom” to rediscover the maverick flair that defined his Aston Villa days.
The match was a landmark occasion for Everton, marking their first league game at the state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock stadium after bidding farewell to Goodison Park in May 2025. Grealish, who joined on loan with a £50 million purchase option, wasted no time endearing himself to the Toffee faithful. His pinpoint cross for Ndiaye’s goal showcased his vision, while his clever interplay led to Garner’s rocket, securing three points and a clean sheet, thanks to Jordan Pickford’s penalty save against Danny Welbeck. “He blew me away,” ex-England striker Darren Bent remarked, praising Grealish’s ability to dictate play. The performance was a bold statement from a player determined to prove himself after a challenging stint at Manchester City, where he won trophies but struggled for consistent starts.
However, Ferdinand, speaking on his *Rio Ferdinand Presents* YouTube channel, offered a nuanced take. While acknowledging Grealish’s contributions, he argued the midfielder was still “isolated” on the wing, lacking the creative liberty that made him a £100 million talent. “Now we didn’t see that at the weekend. He got two assists, which is great for him. One of them (was) a great assist. Smashed it across the box. The other one (is) just a two-yard ball,” Ferdinand noted. “But he still didn’t play with freeness in the game for Everton.” He believes Grealish’s best form—seen at Villa, where he was a free-roaming maverick—requires a central No. 10 role. “My wish is that he goes to Everton and he’s allowed freedom,” Ferdinand said. “That’s where he was best when he was at Aston Villa. The ability to just turn up anywhere, not isolated on the wing, which he was still for Everton.”
Ferdinand’s critique highlights Grealish’s unique ability to draw defenders and create space. In the Brighton match, his run for the first goal attracted two defenders, freeing Ndiaye to score. “What happened when he was doing that? Two players then come to him, frees up someone else. This is what his game’s about,” Ferdinand explained. Manager David Moyes, who masterminded the victory, sees Grealish as the attacking spark Everton have lacked. “Grealish gives Everton the attacking impetus we have needed,” Moyes declared, a sentiment echoed by fans who celebrated the club’s first win at their new home. Grealish himself expressed his joy, saying, “I loved every minute” of the match, a feeling amplified by his vow to make the move permanent ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Everton’s attacking depth adds intrigue to Grealish’s role. With Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall excelling in the No. 10 position and young star Tyler Dibling providing options, Moyes faces a “welcome headache” in balancing his lineup. “There will be plenty of competition in the attacking areas this season, something the Blues have lacked in recent years,” one observer noted. Ferdinand suggested Dewsbury-Hall could drop into midfield alongside Garner, potentially freeing the No. 10 spot for Grealish to roam. This tactical flexibility could be key as Everton, bolstered by recent signings, aim for a top-half Premier League finish and a European spot.
Grealish’s debut has ignited hope on Merseyside. His £100 million move to City in 2021 brought silverware, but as Ferdinand reflected, “I still believe that when his career finishes, he’ll say, you know what, I won things which I dreamed about, but my most enjoyable football was at Aston Villa because that’s where he played best and he was free to play.” At Everton, Grealish has a chance to rediscover that joy. With Moyes praising his “fabulous” 83 touches against Brighton—more than any teammate—the stage is set for Grealish to shine. As the Toffees build momentum at their new stadium, the question isn’t whether Grealish can deliver, but whether he’ll be unleashed to redefine Everton’s attack.
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