Everton handed Jack Grealish his full debut on Sunday, with his first start coming against Brighton & Hove Albion.
What a debut it was for Grealish, who helped himself to two assists in the opening game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Troy Deeney was so impressed with Grealish and the joy which was on the 29-year-old’s face throughout the game.
The 29-year-old has joined on a season-long loan deal, which includes a buy clause that Everton hold in Grealish’s contract.
Exciting times are ahead for David Moyes, who will still be keen to see Everton push on in the final week of the window.
Having made his first start at the weekend, Moyes admitted Grealish did refuse one request made by the Everton boss.
Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Jack Grealish refused David Moyes’ Everton request in Brighton victory
Grealish admitted he is enjoying his football at Everton, which is something that escaped him during his time at Manchester City.
That was clear on Sunday, with the winger letting his football do the talking.
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Speaking on the back of the win against Brighton, Moyes even admitted Grealish declined the option to take his return to football steady.
“Jack was game for it; he didn’t try to shirk anything. He didn’t want off after 60 minutes – no chance. He wants to show he’s the real deal,” said Moyes.
"Jack was game for it; he didn’t try to shirk anything. He didn’t want off after 60 minutes – no chance. He wants to show he’s the real deal.
"He probably has something to prove. I had something to prove over the years at different times. I think sometimes it gives you that… pic.twitter.com/6KWB6hZzSi
— Everton (@Everton) August 24, 2025
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“He probably has something to prove. I had something to prove over the years at different times. I think sometimes it gives you that challenge you have to be ready to take. Hopefully Jack is.”
This is a huge year for the 29-year-old, with Louis Saha backing Grealish to earn an England call-up ahead of the World Cup.
A lot will have to go in Grealish’s favour for that to happen, but the winger is already showing the right attitude to succeed on Merseyside.
David Moyes delighted by Jack Grealish vs Brighton
During his first full week at Finch Farm, Jordan Pickford has been impressed by Grealish in Everton training.
The Everton number one is not the only one to be impressed, with Moyes also sharing his delight during his press conference.
“I’m really pleased with Jack. He did lots of good things. I don’t know if he gave the ball away, I don’t know what the stats would say, but if he did it was very rare,” said the 62-year-old.
Grealish really was impressive against Brighton, and his statistics from the game showed exactly why Everton brought him to Merseyside.
89 minutes played
2 assists
3 key passes
1 big chance created
3 tackles
Consistency will be key for Grealish this season, but the early signs are incredibly promising.