Everton invested heavily in the squad throughout the summer transfer window, but none have been more important than Jack Grealish.
The 29-year-old has rediscovered his best form for Everton as he was the leading man in the 2-0 win against Brighton to mark a victory in the first match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Grealish blew away Darren Bent with his performance on the day, which he followed up with an equally impressive display during the 3-2 win against Wolves before the international break.
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Former Everton legend Wayne Rooney has even called on Thomas Tuchel to recall Grealish for England – he has not played for the Three Lions since the UEFA Nations League clash against Finland in October, wherein he scored in the 3-1 win.
Jack Grealish celebrates his assist for Everton teammate Iliman Ndiaye.
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
And now, Grealish has the opportunity to become the first player in Premier League history to achieve a certain feat after his incredible start to life on Merseyside.
Jack Grealish needs two assists against Aston Villa
According to BBC Sport, no player in history has recorded two assists in three consecutive matches, and Grealish has done so in his first two Everton starts.
The Englishman has been a revelation at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and has drawn comparisons to James Rodriguez, the last leading talisman to make waves in blue.
Grealish’s signing has excited the fans; his loan arrival from Manchester City, which can turn permanent for £50 million at the end of the season, is widely considered a sensational coup for David Moyes.
Jack Grealish of Everton celebrates the second goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Everton sit fifth in the league table after the opening three fixtures, and considering Sean Dyche lost his opening three games in charge last season, the turnaround in fortunes is a testament to the job Moyes has done.
Despite Rio Ferdinand’s criticism of Grealish, ‘he has looked more like the player for whom Man City paid £100m to Aston Villa in 2021 and has been a leading influence behind the Blues’ recent success.
Jack Grealish joins illustrious company as he looks to make history
A lot of top-quality Premier League stars have come close to what Grealish is aiming to achieve against his former club, Aston Villa, on Saturday.
Bukayo Saka recorded two assists in two consecutive appearances last season, whereas former Arsenal talisman Mesut Ozil achieved the feat several times across his tenure in England.
The Gunners have been unfortunate not to have had a player make history. Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas also eluded the third consecutive game, having done so twice on many different occasions.
Nevertheless, Grealish is in the form of his life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and while he will be subject to a hostile reception at Villa Park, making Premier League history against his boyhood club would be the perfect response.