Jack Grealish showed Manchester City fans exactly what he's capable of while on international duty with England.
But for the City faithful, the real question is whether Pep Guardiola will allow him to shine at the Etihad like he did for the Three Lions.
The 28-year-old winger has often found himself boxed into a specific role under Pep's system, but after a standout performance for England, it's clear that Grealish can do much more if given a bit more freedom.
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Grealish thrives in a free role
During England’s Nations League win against Ireland, Grealish stole the show. Moved into a central No. 10 position, he wasn’t just hugging the touchline like at City, but roaming across the field, causing all sorts of problems for the Irish defence. It was a reminder of the Jack Grealish that fans adored at Aston Villa – the free spirit who could change games in an instant.
Declan Rice, who also shone in that match, said after the game: “He’s a top player. That free spirit role suits him. It’s where he played at Villa and I thought he was excellent.”
But at Manchester City, things have been different. Grealish has often found himself in a more restricted role, working hard but not given the chance to express himself like he used to. The flair, the tricks, and the unpredictability that made him a £100 million ($130.8m) player have been dialled down, and fans are starting to wonder whether Pep will ever unleash him fully.
Does Jack Grealish have a point to prove with England?
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 9, 2024
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More than just a sidekick
Sure, City are stacked with talent. Kevin De Bruyne is still the king of the No. 10 role, and the likes of Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva are always waiting in the wings. But Grealish has the potential to be so much more than just a facilitator on the left.
His ability to glide past defenders, pick out the perfect pass, and even score important goals makes him a rare talent. And while his time at City hasn’t exactly been poor – he’s played key roles in title-winning campaigns – there’s a sense that we haven’t seen the best of him yet.
Grealish’s old teammate, Micah Richards, summed it up perfectly: “Jack’s an extraordinary player... I think he feels more in the game as the number 10.” And that’s the crux of it. If Pep lets him loose in the middle, rather than keeping him tied to the left, City could unlock a new dimension.
What’s next for Grealish at City?
If Pep Guardiola can take a page from England's playbook and give Grealish the freedom to roam, City fans might finally see the true potential of their £100 million man.
After all, trophies are great, but wouldn’t it be even sweeter to see Grealish playing with the same joy and freedom that made him a household name?
For now, though, it’s up to Pep. Will he continue to use Grealish as a cog in the well-oiled City machine, or will he set him free to become the game-changer everyone knows he can be?
One thing’s for sure: City fans are ready to see Grealish shine, and after his recent England heroics, the ball is firmly in Pep’s court.
