Everton manager David Moyes looks annoyed with an image of Pep Guardiola in a circular inset
(Credit: Imago)
Henry Green
Mon 25 August 2025 9:20, UK
David Moyes pulled off a masterstroke by bringing Jack Grealish in on loan from Manchester City.
Grealish has already shown his capabilities at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, as he set up both goals in the 2-0 win against Brighton.
The England international has struggled to maintain his form since switching from Aston Villa to Man City, and supporters did wonder how he would get on in Merseyside.
However, Moyes has a tendency for reviving players’ careers, as he did with Jesse Lingard at West Ham, and the Scotsman has now aimed a subtle dig at Grealish’s former employer.
Everton look set to sign Jack Grealish.
Grealish has slotted in perfectly (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)
David Moyes says Jack Grealish has ‘license to take people on’
Everton didn’t get off to the best start of the season, with their 1-0 defeat to Premier League newcomers Leeds.
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However, it was a completely different story against Brighton, and on his first start for the Blues, Grealish made all the difference.
Following the win, Moyes revealed what he had said to the former Aston Villa attacker.
“I think the boy who we saw playing for Man City in the year they won the treble is a really exciting player. And I hope he can get back,” Moyes said.
Jack Grealish’s stats vs Brighton
94 minutes played
2 assists
29/35 passes completed (83%)
3 key passes
5 ground duels won
“He was game for it. Didn’t try to shirk anything. He didn’t want off after 60 minutes. He wanted to show that he’s the real deal.
“He probably has something to prove.”
Grealish’s two assists were as many as he managed in his previous 49 league appearances for City, earning him warm applause from the fans when he was finally taken off in the dying minutes.
The Toffees boss then aimed a subtle dig at Grealish’s ex-manager Pep Guardiola, by offering his license to take people on, rather than cut back and recycle play.
“I said to him, get at people, you’ve got license to go and take people on and make things happen,” Moyes said.
Everton have an opportunity to build on their win against Brighton when they face Wolves on August 30.
Everton’s last five results vs Wolves:
March 8, 2025: Wolves 1-1 Everton
December 4, 2024: Everton 4-0 Wolves
December 30, 2023: Wolves 3-0 Everton
August 26, 2023: Everton 0-1 Wolves
May 20, 2023: Wolves 1-1 Everton
The Toffees haven’t got a good record against Wolves, but Grealish has lost just two of his nine Premier League games against the opposition.
The winger could again make the difference against a struggling side and help the Toffees to a heavy win over their Premier League rivals.
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