David Moyes has taken the opportunity to make something very clear about Jack Grealish after what he has both seen and heard.
Monday proved a frustrating 90 minutes on Wearside for Everton after making a really promising start against Sunderland.
David Moyes must have thought his side were destined to return to winning ways after taking the lead through Iliman Ndiaye.
That was not to be, with Moyes left rueing Thierno Barry’s missed opportunity from a matter of yards out.
But Everton have no time to dwell on what could have been on Monday at the Stadium of Light.
Some familiar faces make the trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday with Marco Silva leading his Fulham side up north.
Ahead of the game, Moyes took to his programme notes to make something abundantly clear about Everton loanee Grealish.
FBL-ENG-PR-SUNDERLAND-EVERTON
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
MORE EVERTON STORIES
David Moyes shares very clear Jack Grealish message at Everton
Thomas Tuchel snubbed Grealish from his latest England squad, which may well bring an end to the winger’s hopes of playing at the World Cup.
However, this cannot be a reason for the 30-year-old’s performances in an Everton shirt to dip over the coming weeks and months.
Speaking in Saturday’s match programme, Moyes has backed the Manchester City loanee following a physical evening against Sunderland.
‘After a good start it was a difficult night. The crowd at the Stadium of Light did everything they could to give their team every possible advantage and Jack Grealish also had to deal with several rough challenges,’ Moyes said.
‘I’d like to make the point that Jack is not trying to win free-kicks. Stats show he has been fouled more than any other player in the Premier League so far this season.’
Everton News has revealed that despite his England woes, Everton have told Grealish they want to sign him permanently if he is keen to remain on Merseyside.
It is a move which is working out for all parties as Grealish continues to provide a real attacking threat down the left.
The 30-year-old will, however, be keen to add a few more goals.
How many times has Jack Grealish been fouled
Alan Shearer has hailed Grealish’s performances this season, with the 30-year-old making a huge difference to the Blues’ attack.
Over the last five games, Grealish has been fouled a staggering 19 times, according to StatMuse.
Opponent Number of times fouled
Liverpool 6
West Ham 5
Crystal Palace 4
Tottenham Hotspur 2
Sunderland 2
Keeping Grealish fit will be huge for Moyes over the coming weeks as Ndiaye prepares to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Grealish has loved his time at Everton, with the forward finally playing football with a smile on his face again.
His joy is shining through at Everton and the fans have taken to him instantly.
A goal on Saturday would go a long way to helping Everton during their current struggles in front of goal.