The importance of Jack Grealish to Manchester City was on full display during yesterday’s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace. While he didn’t register an assist or score, his contribution was vital to an important win for the world champions.
The England international hasn’t reached the same high standards of play from last season so far this campaign. A combination of niggling injuries and some poor performances have seen Jack Grealish fail to set the world alight this season. The winger was an integral part of Manchester City’s successful treble pursuit last season. There is a feeling of the world champions are to reach the same lofty heights as a season ago they will Grealish back to his best over the final stages of the season.
But yesterday’s performance against Crystal Palace from Grealish showed just how important he is to the European champions. He was involved in all four goals scored by Pep Guardiola’s side as a key part of the build up play. Playing on the left-wing the England international put in a superb display to help City recover from falling behind to an early Jean-Phillipe Mateta strike. He combined well with Kevin De Bruyne and his teammates to help the champions leave Selhurst Park with a crucial victory.
READ MORE: The City player ratings from their crucial 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace.
It is also no coincidence that Manchester City have scored 8 in their past two Premier League games with Jack Grealish back in the lineup. With the former Aston Villa captain looking back to his best so has the champions attack. His ability to maintain possession and play in small pockets of space opens the game up for his teammates. Kevin De Bruyne was the beneficiary of this during yesterday’s win. His two goals and assist for Erling Haaland came from Grealish opening up space for the Manchester City legend to take advantage of. It is this trait coupled with the other key attributes of the game of Jack Grealish that are integral to Manchester City.
In an interview with Simon Bajkowski that was published in Manchester Evening News Grealish felt he played well against Crystal Palace. The winger said: “I feel fit and strong. I didn’t score or assist against Palace but I played well, I was involved in most of the goals but everyone loves stats, assists and goals. I feel I bring so much more to the team than just goals and assists. If you watch the game back you’ll see I played well, it’s just a shame that everyone in the world now just loves stats.”
With Real Madrid next on the agenda for Manchester City they will be hoping that Grealish can kick on from his performance yesterday. The European champions will need another polished display from the England international and his teammates if they are to pick up a positive result in one of European football’s most hostile venues.
More must-reads: