Jack Grealish made his full Everton debut on the weekend, with his first start for the Blues coming against Brighton & Hove Albion.
David Moyes did not start Grealish in the opening game of the season at Elland Road.
However, the Hill Dickinson Stadium opener saw the 29-year-old thrown into the Everton starting XI; a decision which certainly paid off.
The Manchester City loanee helped himself to two assists, with Grealish admitting he was back to enjoying football.
It did not take the Englishman long to start providing a return on the huge fee Everton are paying for him this season.
Grealish refused to come off after 60 minutes against Brighton, which is a huge positive for Everton fans.
However, Rio Ferdinand admitted there was something about Grealish’s display that he did not particularly like.
Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
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Rio Ferdinand disappointed by Jack Grealish’s first Everton start
Troy Deeney loved Grealish’s performance against Brighton, with the forward showing a real love for the game once again.
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This view was not shared by everyone in the media, as Ferdinand shared his thoughts on what he saw from the 29-year-old.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand admitted he did not enjoy the lack of freedom Grealish had through playing on the left.
“My wish is that he goes to Everton and he’s allowed freedom. Now, we didn’t see that at the weekend,” said Ferdinand.
“He got two assists, which is great for him. One was a great assist, smashed it across the box, the other was just a two-yard pass backwards.
“He still didn’t play with freedom. He still didn’t play with freedom in the game for Everton. So, I just hope that maybe there’s a chance for him to slot into the number 10 position, where he’s given that freedom.’
After signing earlier in the month, Grealish’s brother thought he’d play as the number 10 under Moyes.
The difference in Everton’s attack from last week’s game against Leeds was night and day, and the best is still yet to come.
Tyler Dibling could unlock Jack Grealish’s ‘freedom’
It is worth noting that Everton had not signed Tyler Dibling, which could now see Iliman Ndiaye return to the left and Grealish move into the middle.
Dibling has admitted he is excited to play with Grealish having made the £35m move from Southampton this week.
The 19-year-old is a natural right winger, which could unlock Grealish to play in the number 10 position.
What will be interesting to see is just how quickly the club’s latest addition is thrown into the starting XI by Moyes.