10 | Jack Grealish - 2021/22 Performances

[nicko]

Those are the stats he keeps talking about. He has created so many chances that have been fluffed this season that his assist column is much lower than it should be. If not for wasteful finishing he would probably have a very good return on that front. He is defo delivering more of a threat than he did.

I’m sorry but you can’t say ‘I’d be seen to be doing better if everyone else wasn’t fucking up’. He’s been very poor, and no amount of excuses can hide it

 

[nicko]

Villa fan here, been watching Jack his whole career.

I watched the semi-final on TV and thought he looked far from his best. At Villa he had a task to take games by the scruff of the neck and make stuff happen, whereas at City he seems to be expected to take more of a supporting role. It's probably not worse for the team, considering the other stars you have, but it doesn't help Jack with trying to live up to the price tag.

Can't believe the level of ire and volume of posts aimed at him here, though. I didn't think he particularly shone yesterday, but he looked more of a threat and less profligate than your other forward players (except Mahrez when he came on). Got a goal and should have had at least 2 assists.

Mostly it makes me sad that, as a player who's universally hated by opposition fans, he's moved to a club where so few seem willing to stand by him. He shoots, you call him selfish. He passes, you call him meek. He takes a risk and loses the ball, you call him wasteful. He plays safe and protects the ball, you call him cowardly.

I saw Pep the other day describe him as a "lovely lad" who's "incredibly loved" in the dressing room, and that fits with the player I always knew, but there's still those here who'll call him a bad influence on Foden because they're friends who have each individually made stupid mistakes in the past.

Here's what I know about Jack, having watched him since he was a teenager. He's insanely talented at what he does - and given the chance, what he does can win you matches, he takes instruction really well from people he respects, he's a hard worker whose languid style on the ball sometimes makes it look otherwise, and he'll never stop trying his best for the team. He thrives on being hated by his rivals, and on having people look to him to make a different, and on repaying the faith of those who stand by him.

I don't know what the future holds, but I wouldn't bet against him becoming a huge star for you guys. I think a lot of you underestimate and misconstrue his character.

A couple of years ago I saw him tear Liverpool apart. 2 goals and 3 assists, and a level of performance that wasn't out of the ordinary for him. Liverpool may be a different beast now, but not as different as the gulf between the Villa team that beat them then and the City team that just lost.

If Smith got that out of him, I've got to believe Guardiola can do more.

I’d like to believe that was true but he’s not playing with any of the confidence that enables that level of performance so far for us. I’m happy to see how he goes next season but he’s really got to up his game from his current form. Big price tag brings pressure and he’s not handled it at all so far

 

[friendlygooner]

Yet despite being so shit he’s somehow better than any player you’ve got

But if Grealish were at Arsenal he wouldnt be more influential than than Odegaard, Martinelli or Saka. Might even throw win ESR too.

Youve got great players, But Grealish isnt one of them

 

[Keeper!]

Cometh the hour cometh the man, big chance for Grealish to show his talent and he belongs in this team, again he was a pale shadow of the player we need.

Time to produce, you have had long enough time to settle, never a fan of yours but you are a lot better player than your showing in our team.

 

[toffee balls]

Villa fan here, been watching Jack his whole career.

I watched the semi-final on TV and thought he looked far from his best. At Villa he had a task to take games by the scruff of the neck and make stuff happen, whereas at City he seems to be expected to take more of a supporting role. It's probably not worse for the team, considering the other stars you have, but it doesn't help Jack with trying to live up to the price tag.

Can't believe the level of ire and volume of posts aimed at him here, though. I didn't think he particularly shone yesterday, but he looked more of a threat and less profligate than your other forward players (except Mahrez when he came on). Got a goal and should have had at least 2 assists.

Mostly it makes me sad that, as a player who's universally hated by opposition fans, he's moved to a club where so few seem willing to stand by him. He shoots, you call him selfish. He passes, you call him meek. He takes a risk and loses the ball, you call him wasteful. He plays safe and protects the ball, you call him cowardly.

I saw Pep the other day describe him as a "lovely lad" who's "incredibly loved" in the dressing room, and that fits with the player I always knew, but there's still those here who'll call him a bad influence on Foden because they're friends who have each individually made stupid mistakes in the past.

Here's what I know about Jack, having watched him since he was a teenager. He's insanely talented at what he does - and given the chance, what he does can win you matches, he takes instruction really well from people he respects, he's a hard worker whose languid style on the ball sometimes makes it look otherwise, and he'll never stop trying his best for the team. He thrives on being hated by his rivals, and on having people look to him to make a different, and on repaying the faith of those who stand by him.

I don't know what the future holds, but I wouldn't bet against him becoming a huge star for you guys. I think a lot of you underestimate and misconstrue his character.

A couple of years ago I saw him tear Liverpool apart. 2 goals and 3 assists, and a level of performance that wasn't out of the ordinary for him. Liverpool may be a different beast now, but not as different as the gulf between the Villa team that beat them then and the City team that just lost.

If Smith got that out of him, I've got to believe Guardiola can do more.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Jack will be fine . There are not too many who revel in their 1st season with our gaffer.He has a languid style and when things aren’t going so well , it will attract negative attention- nothing new as we have seen that over the decades.

Do not write him off . He has a big summer ahead of him . Fingers crossed pre season goes smoothly and I am sure we will see big improvements next season.

The whole club will hopefully be getting a huge transfer shot in the arm and extended manager contract soon and I can see us being pretty much unstoppable next season.

 

[JTFactsPlz]

Cometh the hour cometh the man, big chance for Grealish to show his talent and he belongs in this team, again he was a pale shadow of the player we need.

Time to produce, you have had long enough time to settle, never a fan of yours but you are a lot better player than your showing in our team.

Apart from that last phrase, so ludicrous it's almost funny. But of course the "never a fan of yours" is the revealing thing.

 

[JTFactsPlz]

Villa fan here, been watching Jack his whole career.

I watched the semi-final on TV and thought he looked far from his best. At Villa he had a task to take games by the scruff of the neck and make stuff happen, whereas at City he seems to be expected to take more of a supporting role. It's probably not worse for the team, considering the other stars you have, but it doesn't help Jack with trying to live up to the price tag.

Can't believe the level of ire and volume of posts aimed at him here, though. I didn't think he particularly shone yesterday, but he looked more of a threat and less profligate than your other forward players (except Mahrez when he came on). Got a goal and should have had at least 2 assists.

Mostly it makes me sad that, as a player who's universally hated by opposition fans, he's moved to a club where so few seem willing to stand by him. He shoots, you call him selfish. He passes, you call him meek. He takes a risk and loses the ball, you call him wasteful. He plays safe and protects the ball, you call him cowardly.

I saw Pep the other day describe him as a "lovely lad" who's "incredibly loved" in the dressing room, and that fits with the player I always knew, but there's still those here who'll call him a bad influence on Foden because they're friends who have each individually made stupid mistakes in the past.

Here's what I know about Jack, having watched him since he was a teenager. He's insanely talented at what he does - and given the chance, what he does can win you matches, he takes instruction really well from people he respects, he's a hard worker whose languid style on the ball sometimes makes it look otherwise, and he'll never stop trying his best for the team. He thrives on being hated by his rivals, and on having people look to him to make a different, and on repaying the faith of those who stand by him.

I don't know what the future holds, but I wouldn't bet against him becoming a huge star for you guys. I think a lot of you underestimate and misconstrue his character.

A couple of years ago I saw him tear Liverpool apart. 2 goals and 3 assists, and a level of performance that wasn't out of the ordinary for him. Liverpool may be a different beast now, but not as different as the gulf between the Villa team that beat them then and the City team that just lost.

If Smith got that out of him, I've got to believe Guardiola can do more.

Great post and thanks for taking the time to put it here. IMO, the lack of support for Jack from many City fans has been absolutely disgraceful, especially when we know from previous experience with other players the time needed to settle under Guardiola's system. He's shown he is making every effort to adapt and is making good progress in that regard.

To get a goal and have made two key passes fluffed by other players in a match but still be getting the kind of vitriolic response some have posted here is almost extraordinary. Defies logic, tbh. All I can say to Villa fans such as yourself, there are some City fans who appreciate the player the club was lucky enough to get in Grealish and I think he's loved by his team mates. Will be lovely once we get a striker to complete his chances, as well.

 

[Agueroooo9320]

he should always find himself in the position that he played the ball to Jesus. that is the exact midfield position where he will be most effective. I will say the second half improvement was directly related to grealish moving into the deeper position and foden playing higher up because in the first half midfield foden was doing fuck all while grealish was stuck on the false 9.

 

[Deleted member 77198]

Jack played three seasons in the Championship and all the rest of his career in the bottom half of the Prem… and it shows!

He just doesn’t look like a top side player. He looks like a very good player of a bottom half team. Got good technique, looks the part, does the odd good thing, plays well in bursts or has the odd good half a game. But it’s all surrounded by mediocrity.

At 26 he’s just not played enough top level football. His contributions are too sporadic and infrequent. One great bit of ten seconds in a game can be surrounded by ten minutes either side where he does absolutely nothing.

He’s also the worst player we have at defending from the front.

At 26 how much improving is he going to do now? There’s so much that needs improving and there aren’t that many signs that the sheer amount of things that need to improve are all going to.

He’s just not experienced enough at the top level.

 

[Cobra]

Jack played three seasons in the Championship and all the rest of his career in the bottom half of the Prem… and it shows!

Mahrez had played one season in the PL (where he scored 4 goals and Leicester just about survived relegation) and the rest of his career in the Championship and Ligue 2 before he had that brilliant season in 15/16.

 

[Lauz9888]

I’d like to believe that was true but he’s not playing with any of the confidence that enables that level of performance so far for us. I’m happy to see how he goes next season but he’s really got to up his game from his current form. Big price tag brings pressure and he’s not handled it at all so far

If he lacks confidence, why does he lack confidence?

The price tag? Challenging for trophies? Playing with world-class players? Hostility from opposition fans? All things he's on record as saying he embraces, even enjoys.

The rest of the squad seem to adore him, and from what he's said Pep and the coaches have been taking time to put an arm around him and praise all the stuff he's doing right.

He's playing pretty regularly for us and still getting selected for England, seems likely to go to the World Cup. And off the pitch he's got the Gucci deal apparently, which is more people telling him how good he is, not to mention on top of everything else he's probably got more money than he ever dreamt of.

And he seems to never previously have been someone who lacked confidence or self-belief.

So if it's gone now, why has it gone, and how can he get it back? Is there anything we as a club or the fans can do to help that?

I don't know the answer (although I'd suggest those City fans who tag him in abusive posts on social media probably aren't going the right way about it). But right now I'm firmly in the camp of believing a loss of confidence is usually temporary, and when it's over we'll see the best of him.

he should always find himself in the position that he played the ball to Jesus. that is the exact midfield position where he will be most effective. I will say the second half improvement was directly related to grealish moving into the deeper position and foden playing higher up because in the first half midfield foden was doing fuck all while grealish was stuck on the false 9.

I agree with this. That left half-space is where he's most dangerous.

He played on the wing for Villa, but with the freedom to drift inwards. On the wing for us he's instructed to hold the width to make space for other players, and he follows those instructions and when the players in the space deliver it looks like an effective tactic, but it's not getting the most of his individual skillset.

He gives false 9 a go, but honestly I don't see the point of putting someone who's not a clinical finisher, whose biggest strength is progressing the ball up the pitch, in a position where he's closest to goal, with less space to run into and fewer people to pass forward to.

I want to see him as Gundo's understudy. I think the defensive and pace control aspects of his game have improved loads this year, but there's more to work on. But long-term I see him succeeding for us in that midfield role alongside Kev or Bernardo.

 

[Sir peace frog]

But if Grealish were at Arsenal he wouldnt be more influential than than Odegaard, Martinelli or Saka. Might even throw win ESR too.

Youve got great players, But Grealish isnt one of them

they may stand out at arsenal but it isnt really that hard, as for ESR has he even played this year, he had a promising year last year but i cant seem to think what hes done this year,if jack played for you he would be your top dog

 

[SWP's back]

But if Grealish were at Arsenal he wouldnt be more influential than than Odegaard, Martinelli or Saka. Might even throw win ESR too.

Youve got great players, But Grealish isnt one of them

Jack would be your best player and absolutely stand out.

 

[Deleted member 77198]

Mahrez had played one season in the PL (where he scored 4 goals and Leicester just about survived relegation) and the rest of his career in the Championship and Ligue 2 before he had that brilliant season in 15/16.

Indeed. And while Mahrez was good in his first season for us, that showed in his very poor 2019-20 season for us. He allowed himself to drop to a level he had been used to playing at previously in his career. It wasn’t good enough for us that season from him.

He did turn that back around though and had good seasons last season and this. Which are good signs for Grealish!

 

[Keeper!]

Apart from that last phrase, so ludicrous it's almost funny. But of course the "never a fan of yours" is the revealing thing.

Grealish is overrated, always has been, he is never a 100m player in a million years, never will be.

Time to settle is a myth for great players, although getting used to playing in a Pep team can take time but the lack of urgency in him is inexcusable.

 

[Damanino]

"he will come good in second season" well lets hope so because if he doesnt then that is a colossal transfer fuck up.
i dont think on current form he will make the first 11 in the CL semis if everyone is fit.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

He has been a complete flop in my view.

Many will consider this harsh but as the season draws to a close I feel he has contributed the square root of fuck all.

As someone posted a few days ago, what are the remaining games and a summer holiday going to achieve so that he becomes a significant part of our first choice line up next season? I just don't see any improvement that would remotely justify the enormous outlay on him.

you could say that about most of the players we’ve signed recently after their first season. Wouldn’t be so quick to write a player off

 

[friendlygooner]

Jack would be your best player and absolutely stand out.

Well Saka gets picked ahead of him for England. And I couldn't even comprehend an an argument Grealish is better than Martinelli. Odegaard is a better player than Grealish

Grealish would not be our best player. I mean why would he? What's he done to warrant such a high reputation, other than the transfer fee you christened him with?

12 months ago he was an Aston Villa footballer, then you spent 100m on him. How does being bought for 100m make you a better footballer? If this logic were true, Harry Maguire would be a world class centre half.

Im willing to admit Mahrez, Foden, De Bruyne, Sterling are of extreme quality, but I will not be gaslighted into acknowledging Grealish is an elite level footballer when he clearly isnt.

 

[BlueMoonRisin’]

Grealish has strolled around the pitch in most games far too casually for my liking. I want to see some gut busting fire in his belly and a will to win next season. And the most frustrating thing is Jack has the ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen, and sadly he hasn't contributed enough for a player of his ability, first season or not.

 

[Scottyboi]

Will wait to judge him properly next season, expected alot more though for the money.