Jack Grealish was named Player of the Match against Crystal Palace.placeholder image
Jack Grealish was named Player of the Match against Crystal Palace. | Getty Images
Jack Grealish netted a late winner for Everton against Crystal Palace and couldn’t help but compliment an opposition player after full time.
Everton playmaker Jack Grealish confessed his admiration for Crystal Palace linchpin Adam Wharton following the 2-1 win over the London outfit on Merseyside on Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles took the lead in the first half through wing-back Daniel Munoz but the hosts completed a last gasp turn around after the break. Iliman Ndiaye netted a penalty in the 76th minute before Grealish bagged a 93rd minute winner.
The 30-year-old is on loan at Everton from Manchester City and looking to spark his career back into action after falling out of favour at the Etihad Stadium and ahead of the World Cup next summer. Speaking after the game, as he received his award, Grealish couldn’t help but compliment an opposition player.
Jack Grealish heaps praise on Crystal Palace midfielder
He said: “Of course, that’s what you want to do as a winger. I have one goal and four assists now in the Premier League this season. That’s what I want to do.
“It was difficult to do that today against such a good team, they have unbelievable players. Adam Wharton today. I concede the Man of the Match Award. That should have gone to Adam Wharton because, in my opinion, he was the best player on the pitch today.”
Wharton signed for Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024 for a reported £22 million and has turned heads thanks to the ease with which he has taken to the Premier League. Wharton has become an England international and is one of the most highly rated central midfielders in the division.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola even praised Wharton ahead of the FA Cup final last season. He said: "An excellent holding midfielder. He was in the national team already. The impact has been really good, coming from the Championship to the Premier League, brilliant left foot, a really good player."
Man Utd linked with Adam Wharton transfer
The latest praise for the player comes as transfer links to Manchester United continue to grow. According to Ben Jacobs via The United Stand, Manchester United have a gentleman's agreement in place to sign Wharton if he fails to put pen to paper on a new deal at Selhurst Park. That is expected to cost around £65 million.
Fabrizio Romano has also given his take on Wharton’s future in recent days. He said on YouTube: “Many top clubs in England, even in Spain, are monitoring Wharton at Crystal Palace. I don't think now is the time to say that he's going to move for sure in 2026.
"The focus of the player is on Palace, is on playing every single game, is on being an important player for Oliver Glasner and for Palace. They play European football. He wants to go to the World Cup in 2026. And this was one of the reasons why maybe moving this summer was something that Palace never considered. But also on the player's side, he was happy to stay at Palace to give his best for Palace and then eventually move in the future.
"So I think if something happens, it's going to be after the World Cup. In 2026, I would not be surprised if something happens because Premier League clubs, but also clubs in Spain, including Real Madrid, are monitoring the boy."
In other news, Ex Everton striker branded 'diver' by Crystal Palace legend explains failed Eagles transfer.
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