Except the comparisons to Mahrez, Rodri, Cancelo, Bernardo, Sané, and Gundogan are more likely accurate than not.
You can keep saying he was worse than Mahrez, but even if that's so it doesn't really matter. Bernardo's first few months were worse than Mahrez's and he's a better player now than Mahrez is for City. So if you're using Mahrez as the benchmark it's irrelevant.
The only thing that matters is whether Grealish will improve, and history shows that it's likely to happen. I don't know why you'd rather be on the wrong side of history here but you do you.
Again, I wouldn’t say you’re wrong and I genuinely hope you’re right. But for me, due to his age and what i’ve seen so far both for us and Villa I just don’t see how he can improve enough. For me, for us to
improve he is in direct competition with Foden, as we are likely to sign a striker so that’s one position he’s not playing next year, he won’t play right of the front three, so that leaves forward left where he’s never going to be as good or productive as Foden or as productive as Sterling.
We have some of his fan boys saying he’ll play centrally, again, he’s no chance of displacing Bernardo, has not got any of Gundogan’s attributes and will never be a patch on De Bruyne. And won’t be playing in the 6.
So he’s got two positions at best to fight for, both he’ll be competing with Foden who is 5 years younger and already a much better player.
If we only sign one striker, that hinders his progress and I think we’ll add a versatile/complete midfielder too.
I understand the comparisons to others who took time to settle, but Mahrez was a PFA player of the year and still in his settling in period had 26 direct goal contributions. Bernardo had torn us a new one in the CL and was much better in his first season that Grealish to date. Bernardo had a clear path really, as D Silva was leaving a huge hole to fill, there was a spot available.
I’m happy to have adult discussion, I just don’t see where Grealish fits in. As I see it he’ll be a good and versatile squad man who can play a few positions well, but not command a position.
If we only sign a striker.
The front 3 would be striker, Foden, Mahrez/Sterling.
Midfield 3 Rodri, Bernardo, Gundogan/De Bruyne.
I also make room for another total change in style with Pep in charge, so there could be a plan to change everything.
We could be looking at Rodri and 4 attacking midfielders and 1 striker in the style of Haaland who we rely on for goals. He’d have a more relevant role then I guess.