Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised Jack Grealish for his outstanding performance in their 4 – 1 home thrashing of Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.
Both teams kicked off gameweek 29 in the Premier League and it was a tie that more than delivered on its promise of entertainment.
The bulk of it came from Man City, however, despite Liverpool’s attempts earlier in the game to steal the spotlight. Standing out was £100 man Jack Grealish, who has found his footing in the City squad this season following a slow start to life after his transfer from Aston Villa last season.
The England international scored and assisted in the victory while carrying out his tasks efficiently and even showing glimpses of the skillful and tricky attacking midfielder/winger he used to be at Aston Villa.
Guardiola heaped praise on his number 10 after the game, stating that he has been good all season but that he was brilliant against Liverpool.
“All this season he has been playing really well,” said Pep. “Now it’s the Jack we thought. Aston Villa fans know this Jack.
“Nothing changed, it’s just a question of believing ‘I am part of that, and I can be here.’ Now he has more minutes. The way he behaved in the beginning when he was not playing was exceptional.
“We are so satisfied for his performance. Today was amazing, he was really good.
“I like the standing ovation from our fans. He really deserved it. Not just that, all season he has been playing well.”
Guardiola also talked about his all round play as a City player and he said this in response: “He can be judged for the block on Salah when it could be 2-0 (to Liverpool).
“Football is more than stats, it’s many things. The way he gives us the tempo to play and to make extra passes.
“I could not imagine with the big name he is and the price the club paid to have this humility to run like a teenager.
“That means a lot to me and the team. At the same time, he has to score more goals at home. Definitely.”
Grealish’s goal was his fourth of the season and his assist for Kevin De Bruyne’s goal was his fifth. He has scored 10 goals and assisted 12 in all competitions since he switched Villa Park for Etihad last summer.
