Jack Grealish has always been a hugely talented footballer. After a few fallow years at Manchester City, however, there was an understandable fear that his best years were well behind him.
Now on loan at Everton, though, the Englishman looks to be a player reborn. Having bagged four assists in his first three Premier League outings for the Toffees (he managed just one all last season), the former Aston Villa midfielder is moving with all the confidence that once earned him his £100m move to the Etihad.
Sure, he's only started twice for his new club, but the early signs are extremely exciting.
everton jack grealish
Grealish certainly impressed on his debut in the 2-0 win vs Brighton, but he went up a level vs Wolves. Assisting two assists, he was pivotal as David Moyes' men picked up all three points in a 3-2 away win.
The local press weren't shy in recognising his quality either. Football Insider handed him a 10/10 mark in their player ratings and wrote:
"Absolutely flawless. Picked up another two assists, and was also a complete nuisance against Wolves, being fouled a total of five times."
Joe Thomas was nearly as kind for Liverpool Echo, handing out a 9/10 and noting: "Wanted the ball and was happy to take it across both sides of the pitch. His patient probing forced the corner that led to Beto’s goal - which he provided with a delicate back post header. Full of quality but also up for the fight - at one point teasing Andre for some 15 yards before the midfielder had enough and hacked him down. Clever link up with Dewsbury-Hall for the second and it was his decision to play a chipped pass to the same player just after half-time that gave him the chance to wrap his foot around the half-volley."
Goodison News also remarked that he continued his 'superb form' and 'proved to be a constant thorn in the side of the home side', before dishing out a 9/10 rating. Manager Moyes perhaps best summed up the optimism over the player, though. Speaking after the game, he told the press:
"The biggest compliment I can say about Jack is that he's even better than I thought he was."
Grealish Inspired By Gascoigne
Paul Gascoigne
Paul Gascoigne
When signing for Everton this summer, Grealish took the number 18 shirt and explained that two British legends had inspired his decision. Indeed, talking about former Goodison Park men Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, he said:
"There is a reason for [choosing number 18]. There were other numbers but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here.
"So, as soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and number 18 was free, so that was perfect for me and it was the only number I was going to take from that point.
"I spoke to Wayne [Rooney] before I came here and I mentioned that to him – about the number 18 – so I hope he's happy as well!"
In particular, Grealish has evoked memories of Gascoigne as he's danced on the new Hill Dickinson Stadium turf for the Toffees. With his maverick style on the pitch and big personality away from it, it's not hard to draw comparisons between the pair.
While there are no guarantees that the 29-year-old will be a hit in the long run, his start to life with his loan club has been stunning. If he can maintain that form, he could even earn himself a spot in England's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Gascoigne was a wonderful player for a number of clubs, but cemented his status as a true English great with his performances for the Three Lions, most notably the 1990 World Cup and then Euro 96. Who knows, if Grealish can shine all season for Everton, he too could have a similar, legacy-changing impact for England this summer.
Stats via Opta - as of 30/08/2025