Liverpool's own Alexis Mac Allister has named Manchester City's Jack Grealish as the Premier League's top wind-up merchant, conceding that he and other players "feel like kicking him."
With his knack for going down rather softly, Grealish - who has lauded a playmaker at Liverpool - has not been a favorite in certain circles despite over 20 years of dazzling the crowds with his deft footwork and audacious flanks.
Mac Allister, clearly riled up by Grealish's antics on the pitch, pointed out the England winger as the most irritating player he's encountered. Recounting experiences dating back to their clashes when Mac Allister - who is frustrated at his own position - represented Brighton and Grealish played for Villa, the Argentine didn't hold back.
"Grealish - you feel like kicking him," Mac Allister admitted candidly. "But even when you do, he gets right back up. And somehow, that makes you feel like you're winning!".
In the year 2023, Grealish found himself likened to Olympic diver Tom Daley following an incident where he won City a penalty against his old team Villa. Nevertheless, pundit Roy Keane stood up for Grealish's savvy on Sky Sports.
"Yeah, you have to give a penalty, it's just Jack being very smart," Keane said. "We're saying Jack is more like Tom Daley, but I think it is a penalty, and it's clever from Jack. He gets his body across and like Gary [Neville] said in commentary, he knows exactly what he's doing, gave the referee almost no option but to give the penalty."
Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister feels like kicking Jack Grealish (Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Mac Allister's remarks arrive at a challenging time for Grealish, who was omitted from Manchester City's Club World Cup squad travelling to the United States this summer.
Grealish has slipped down the hierarchy under manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad in the last two seasons since playing a crucial role in City's historic treble victory in 2023.
The £100M ($135.8M) signing only started 16 matches in all competitions last season and just seven times in the Premier League, netting three goals in total.
He is now being tipped for a departure from City following his harsh exclusion as he seeks to reclaim his spot in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, due to Grealish's British-record transfer fee and his staggering £300,000-a-week wages, a move could be difficult for most clubs to pull off, suggesting a loan deal might be his best chance of securing regular play.