Jack Grealish’s journey at Manchester City has been a rollercoaster.
After joining for a record £100 million, Grealish was expected to be a key player for the club, but now he finds himself struggling to regain his spot.
Pep Guardiola recently explained that Savinho, a summer signing, is starting over Grealish because he’s in better shape and performing at a higher level.
A Year Full of Highs and Lows
Jack’s 2024 has been a whirlwind, full of triumphs and setbacks.
He was part of Manchester City’s historic Treble-winning team, only to miss out on England’s European Championship squad.
He also experienced the joy of becoming a father for the first time but is now battling to get back into the City starting XI.
The Challenge of Competition
Guardiola has been clear about the challenge Grealish faces.
He acknowledges Jack’s potential but says that right now, Savinho’s performance in the box is better, and that’s why he’s ahead in the pecking order.
Guardiola emphasized that Grealish needs to compete with himself and prove every day that he deserves his spot.
The Rise to Fame
Jack’s early career at Aston Villa was filled with promise.
His flair on the pitch and off-the-field antics earned him comparisons to English football greats like Paul Gascoigne.
Grealish openly admitted that he admired Gazza and wanted to bring that same joy to the game.
His skill and creativity were undeniable, and he quickly became one of England’s standout talents.
Success at Manchester City
When Grealish finally made the move to Manchester City, it seemed like the start of a new era.
His partnership with Erling Haaland was pivotal in City’s dominance, especially during their Treble-winning season.
Despite only scoring five goals and getting seven assists, Grealish’s impact on the pitch went far beyond statistics—his influence and ability to change the game were invaluable to his team.
A Tough 2024
Fast forward to 2024, and Grealish’s fortunes have changed.
He struggled with injuries and inconsistencies, making it hard to maintain a regular starting position.
His lack of goals and limited playing time have placed him behind other rising stars like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer in the race for spots on England’s squad for the Euros.
Missing Out on Euro 2024
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Jack when he wasn’t selected for the European Championship.
As he watched from the sidelines, he admitted it was the hardest setback of his career.
He felt he had something different to offer the team but understood that his lack of consistent form made it hard for Gareth Southgate to include him.
A New Chapter: Becoming a Father
Amid the footballing turmoil, Grealish experienced one of the happiest moments of his life—becoming a father.
On September 27, 2024, he and his partner Sasha Attwood welcomed their daughter Mila Rose into the world.
While this milestone brought joy, it also added new responsibilities, with Grealish balancing his personal life and football career.
Struggling for Consistency
After returning from paternity leave, Grealish still struggled to get significant minutes on the pitch.
Despite being part of the squad, he only played brief roles in a few matches.
His last appearance against West Ham saw him play just six minutes.
However, Grealish continues to have the support of Guardiola, who remains confident in his abilities.
The Stats Tell a Story
Although Grealish’s form hasn’t been as electric as in previous seasons, his statistics are still solid.
His chances created and pass accuracy have improved, and while his goals and assists are down, his overall contribution to games hasn’t dramatically dropped.
Guardiola remains convinced of his quality, stating that he knows Grealish can return to his best form with the right mindset.
What Lies Ahead for Grealish?
Despite the current challenges, it’s too early to say that Grealish’s time at Manchester City is over.
With Guardiola’s continued belief in him and his talent still undeniable, there’s plenty of hope for a comeback.
It will be interesting to see how Grealish responds to the setbacks of 2024 and fights to regain his place in the starting lineup.
Perhaps the key to his return will be embracing the free-spirited, joyful football that made him one of the most exciting talents in English football.