Jack Grealish playing for Everton, Kevin De Bruyne warming up for Manchester City and Lionel Messi celebrating for Argentina
Jack Grealish playing for Everton, Kevin De Bruyne warming up for Manchester City and Lionel Messi celebrating for Argentina
The Manchester City loanee has been central to controversy in the past few weeks.
David Moyes has left him out of the past three matchday squads after breaching club discipline.
The Englishman failed to show up to training ahead of a Carabao Cup meeting with Newcastle and now a decision has been made to leave him as an outcast.
He reportedly missed the recent Coventry City clash due to a lack of fitness.
This situation doesn't reflect well on Grealish, but could all turn around should De Bruyne walk into Finch Farm.
What does Jack Grealish think of Kevin De Bruyne?
There needs to be a change in approach from the attacker in the coming weeks and months.
Moyes already has a thin squad, so having a top name missing for a lack of professionalism is not a good look.
That is especially the case for a three-time Premier League champion.
It could all be helped by the arrival of a former teammate and six-time PL winner in De Bruyne.
Grealish has long made his feelings clear on the Belgian, before and after working with him at Manchester City.
After joining the Citizens from Aston Villa in 2021, he said: "I have always said that apart from Ronaldo and Messi I think he is the best in the world.
"I think he has got absolutely everything."
That only echoed his previous view after speaking out from Villa Park earlier in 2021, saying: "De Bruyne is my favourite player."
There is clearly a major level of respect there from Grealish and it could work massively in Everton's favour if a deal can be arranged to bring in the Napoli man.
How Everton could benefit from Grealish and De Bruyne combination
The surprise link for the Belgian sensation came from Calciomercato on Monday evening.
The Italian outlet detailed that contact has been made by the Toffees over a potential deal with Napoli.
That almost certainly will pique the interest of Grealish, given his fondness for the midfielder.
The two have already played together 92 times and averaged 2.22 points per game, while combining for five goals.
The latter stat is the third best tally of the ex-Villa man's career, with only his link with Ollie Watkins and Erling Haaland providing more goals.
That could be perfect for Everton moving forward as they look to maintain their place in the race for European qualification.
It will also be a plus to have someone who can keep Grealish's feet on the ground after a frustrating period.