The on-loan Everton maverick revealed last week in an interview with Tim Sherwood – his former Aston Villa manager – that he “didn’t help himself” when it came to extracurricular activities away from the pitch at Manchester City and that everyone has a perception of him being a “party-boy”.
Reacting to the interview, former England international right back Glen Johnson, praised Jack Grealish for his honesty and offered the 30-year-old attacking midfielder some good advice for the future.
Keep it lowkey
During an interview with 10bet, Johnson said of Grealish’s recent comments: “I like what I’m hearing from Jack. I think he knows that his personality is what got him to where he was at Aston Villa and Manchester City. And yes, of course, he likes to go out and sometimes you can get away with it.
“But sometimes, you need to hide it a bit, keep it lowkey. He doesn’t need to pretend or change his character. He needs some of that, because he needs that flair on the pitch. It’s who he is.”
He needs to live in a way that keeps him at his best on the pitch
This season, Grealish is letting his football do the talking. The England international has been a revelation after swapping Manchester City for Everton, racking up four assists and a goal – the winner against Crystal Palace yesterday – in seven Premier League appearances.
Johnson believes that Grealish needs to continue to focus on his football and while also advising him to enjoy his socialising in a more discreet manner.
“If he is staying professional, and he’s not partying at the wrong times, then he can live his life. He’s a sociable, young lad, but ultimately he needs to make sure he’s living in a way that keeps him at his very best on the pitch.
“He needs to do his job and the socialising needs to come second, which is probably what he’s owning up to now. But like I say, you don’t want to take that away from him because that’s his character. But yes, you do need to rein it in a little bit and maybe do it more undercover, and at the right times,” Johnson concluded.
There is no doubt that Grealish has been one of the Premier League‘s star performers this season. He’ll be hoping to maintain his good form to earn a recall to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the next round of international fixtures in November.