Everton winger Jack Grealish celebrates with David Moyes smiling inset
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Tue 16 September 2025 14:40, UK
Jack Grealish continued his impressive form for Everton on Saturday, as the Toffees extended their unbeaten run to three Premier League games.
Everton drew 0-0 with Aston Villa, and the winger’s performance was picked out by many as the standout at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Grealish matched his Premier League career record for touches in the opposition box, and the England international created several chances for his teammates.
The 30-year-old has transformed David Moyes’ attack this season, often the first man to receive the ball when the Toffees drive forward.
One element of his performance was criticised, however, with Grealish accused of overplaying the ball at times for Everton.
David Moyes being interviewed
Credit: Imago
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Dave Watson praises Jack Grealish for his defensive efforts
Grealish was named Premier League player of the month for August, after the winger supplied four assists in his first three league appearances for Everton.
But the 30-year-old’s defensive contributions are rarely mentioned in discussions surrounding his performances.
Grealish has won six tackles and 27 duels, often tracking back to help his team cut out opposition attacks, averaging 4.6 ball recoveries per game this season, via Sofascore.
Moyes is keen to allow his more creative players to play with freedom when going forward, but the Scot is, by nature, a manager who likes his defence to stay solid and resolute.
Everton Premier League 2025/26
Interceptions 31
Blocks 23
Clearances 111
Duels won 246
Clean sheets 2
That includes the forward players as well as the defenders themselves, with every player required to press and drop when required.
Dave Watson told The Fozcast on Monday that he noticed Grealish’s defensive efforts in the match against Villa.
“Superb. Really good. Very, very good, obviously with the ball,” the coach said when asked about the winger’s performance.
“Sucking Villa players in, playing like he did, really causing problems one versus one in the wide areas.
“But I was really pleased, in terms of his work rate and application against the ball for Everton. Working back to his own box and playing with a smile on his face.”
Everton winger Jack Grealish's defensive stats
Grealish has
Jack Grealish looks a man reborn for Everton
There were doubts surrounding Grealish’s move to Everton. The winger had endured an incredibly poor season for Manchester City, and fans pondered over the England international’s remaining commitment to football.
But any remaining doubts were put to the bed as soon as the 30-year-old stepped onto the pitch at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.
Grealish lost his way in Manchester, but he now looks back to being the exciting, dynamic playmaker he once was known as in his Villa days.
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