Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been on top form for Everton during recent matches while Jack Grealish has been out of the side
Jack Grealish of Everton
Jack Grealish of Everton(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
With Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on top form for Everton during Jack Grealish’s absence from the side, a former Premier League star has questioned whether the Blues pair can play effectively in the same side.
Grealish has missed Everton’s last four matches, against Arsenal, Newcastle United (home and away) plus Coventry City.
Ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium, the club cited the 31-year-old’s absence as being down to “sickness”. But ahead of the Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Blues stated that the on-loan Manchester City player had been omitted due to a disciplinary breach and he also remained unavailable for their subsequent two fixtures.
With the second international break of the season now taking place, Everton don’t resume action until Monday, November 23 when they visit Brentford. In the meantime, the ECHO understands Grealish has now returned to the club’s Finch Farm training base and is on a tailored programme as he looks to regain his fitness.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer makes Thierno Barry statement as Gary Lineker delivers exciting Everton prediction
However, with Dewsbury-Hall becoming the main creative outlet for David Moyes’ men during the Brummie ace’s absence, providing an assist for Thierno Barry in the 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Newcastle and then scoring the Blues’ third goal as they came from behind to defeat Coventry by the same scoreline last Friday, Andy Townsend, a former captain at Grealish’s first club Aston Villa, has pondered how prudent it would be to put the first £100million English footballer back into the side.
Speaking courtesy of BettingLounge, the former Republic of Ireland international said: “Everton have been going really well lately. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played particularly well against Newcastle and Coventry, and I wonder whether you can play Jack Grealish and him in the same team.
“They beat Newcastle in both the cup and the league, and Dewsbury-Hall was standout. Although he and Jack don’t play the exact same position, they have a similar attacking focus, and the balance isn’t always right with both of them on the pitch.
“Coming back to Jack, usually when a player steps out of line or misses training, there’s a telling off, a fine, and everyone moves on. With Jack, it feels a bit different, there’s more to it.
Jack Grealish receives a hug from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on his return to Everton
Jack Grealish receives a hug from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on his return to Everton(Image: GARY OAKLEY)
View 2 Images
“As someone who has met him several times, I know he’s an extremely likeable lad, and I sincerely hope he’s okay first and foremost.
“I hope he can get back into the team. The key for Jack Grealish is enjoying his football, he needs to enjoy it to produce his best, I haven’t seen that joy in his game for a while now.
“If he feels good about Everton and wants to deliver for David Moyes, Jack needs to get back into the fold, put his head down, and find that extra gear.
“We know the talent is there. If he has an issue, I hope he resolves it so we can see him back at his best soon.”