Ex-Blues forward Louis Saha believes Everton could have a standout season if they can find a ruthless streak
Jack Grealish reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jack Grealish reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Louis Saha believes Jack Grealish could help fire Everton toward the European places - if his team-mates can exploit the quality he should provide. The former Blues striker has been impressed with the immediate impact made by the 30-year-old, whose four assists in August led to him winning the Premier League’s player of the month award for the first time in his career.
Grealish’s arrival has been the catalyst for spirits to lift on and off the pitch and Saha thinks there is no reason why that should not continue.
The positive start to his loan move from Manchester City has already left supporters wondering where his long-term future could lie, with Everton understood to be willing to explore a permanent move should the conditions be right.
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For Saha, the club must make the most of Grealish’s talent right now and not start looking to the future.
He said: “Whatever happens in the summer, the main thing for Everton is to exploit as much as they can with the quality of Grealish because he’s exactly what they need.
“Last year they didn't create enough, two or three years ago it was the same. Couldn't score, couldn't punish teams in front of them. If they can manage to exploit the best quality of Grealish, they're going to be at least up there in the middle of the table and why not grab some points towards the European spots.”
Whether the Blues can put away the chances made by Grealish, and the talented creative line built alongside him, may prove the difference between a season spent in mid-table and one pushing into the top half, according to Saha.
While David Moyes’s side discovered their ruthless streak against Wolves before the international break, several big chances went begging in the goalless draw at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Grealish cut a frustrated figure against his boyhood club as a result, despite causing them problems throughout the match.
Speaking to bookmakers analysis site Flashscore, Saha said he expected Grealish to continue being a point of difference between Everton and opponents, adding: “It's brilliant to see Jack Grealish at the moment because he's a player that we all love when he's playing at his best with a smile on his face.
“Those guys are able to really connect with the fans and that is a gift. Everton now have the opportunity to really play with a playmaker that can contribute in both the squad and with how he can control the game with his technique at the same time.
“He can really find the decisive moments to pass the ball and also score. He’s an amazing asset that Everton have now.”