Everton forward Jack Grealish and David Moyes in circular inset
(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Imago)
Aheed Abrar
Tue 19 August 2025 12:30, UK
Jack Grealish made his Everton debut against Leeds United in the Premier League on Monday.
David Moyes’ team travelled to Elland Road on 18 August, losing 1-0 after Lukas Nmecha’s penalty in the 84th minute.
Chris Kavanagh penalised James Tarkowski for an apparent handball towards the end of the fixture in West Yorkshire as the Blues lost three points.
Tim Iroegbunam was replaced in the 71st minute by Grealish, but the Scottish manager may need to make a tweak to get the best out of the England international.
Everton forward Jack Grealish trains for England at St George's Park
Grealish can get back to his best at Everton. (Credit: Imago)
Grealish should play more centrally for Everton as John Barnes comparison made
Don Hutchinson wants to see Grealish play as a number eight for the Toffees.
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The ex-Scotland midfielder believes the 29-year-old has the aptitude to play more centrally under Moyes and regain some of his previous form.
Hutchinson brought up Liverpool icon John Barnes as an example of someone who was able to change positions towards the latter stages of their career.
The ex-Evertonian wrote on X on 18 August: “Lots of wide players who lost their spark, form, age, etc., can convert inside to a number eight. Obviously, I’m not comparing, but Ryan Giggs plus John Barnes both did it. It’s not that hard, trust me. Jack still has the brain and, once fit, could play inside.”
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Moyes has Villa example for Grealish experiment
Grealish has been The Friedkin Group’s marquee signing at the Toffees this summer, and Moyes will be expected to build a team around him.
While the Englishman hasn’t been at his best in recent seasons, he undoubtedly still possesses a lot of quality and is capable of being part of a special team at the Blues.
The 29-year-old didn’t have the best of debuts playing on the left-wing as he was often isolated and had to pick up the ball in the Merseyside outfit’s own half.
Premier League (2020/21) Statistics
Appearances 26
Goals 6
Assists 10
Big chances created 14
Successful dribbles (per game) 2.5
Grealish’s Premier League record in the 2020/21 season at Villa, as per Sofascore
Grealish was one of the best Premier League players at Aston Villa, and the current Everton manager recognised his skills in 2021.
The England international was given a lot of freedom in the final third under Dean Smith, and he utilised it perfectly.
Moyes should look to play the Man City loanee more centrally, maybe in a number 10 position, instead of keeping him out wide, where the attacker didn’t have much joy against Leeds.
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