Jack Grealish had a lot of pressure on his shoulders after joining Manchester City for £100m last summer and didn’t live up to expectations after scoring three goals with three assists from 26 Premier League games.
The 27-year-old was still learning Pep Guardiola’s ethos and management style in his debut season, so many were expecting him to shine in his second campaign.
Grealish is still struggling, however, with zero goals and zero assists from four appearances this season, and Alan Hutton has warned him that he won’t get his place back unless things improve.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th or lower
He told Football Insider: “Of course (he will struggle to get back in). They’re one of the best teams out there, it’s going to be difficult. I obviously know him personally, he’s got a great character and that won’t phase him. He believes in himself and, on his day, he’s just as good as any player in the league.”
Grealish has had a slow start to the new campaign, suffering poor form and fitness problems which has led to him being dropped by Guardiola. The England international was an unused substitute in City’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa after missing three games on the bounce through injury, so he’ll be desperate to get back out on the pitch.
Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva have started on opposing flanks as Guardiola doesn’t trust Grealish or Riyad Mahrez currently, so he has a lot of convincing to do. Hutton is backing his former Villa teammate to deliver, however, as he’s adamant that he’s mentally tough enough to endure any setback.
He added: “He’s had his problems with his calf and different things so fitness is a big thing. He’s just getting used to playing that Pep way. Obviously it was all new to him last season and I think he’s got a lot (more) to give. I think he’s a brilliant player and it’s just a matter of time.”
In other news, who was the 25 y/o that spent seven years at Man City without making an appearance?
Vital City are looking to recruit a new writer for the site. If you are a fan of the club and can commit to writing 3—5 articles at least 4 days per week then we would love to hear from you. Mail paddy@snack-media.com for more information.