Details: Jack Grealish has finally found his best position at Manchester City, and it was always right under Pep Guardiola’s nose. After three years of searching, the £100m man thrived in a central role against Nottingham Forest, looking like the player City hoped for when they signed him.
The Grealish Role Experiment: In a refreshing tactical change, Guardiola shifted Grealish inside to a central attacking midfield position, a role he rarely occupies at City. This move came after a series of disappointing performances and injuries, making fans question if Grealish could ever truly shine at the Etihad.
The result? A performance full of energy, creativity, and almost-goals, showing shades of the flair that made him so effective at Aston Villa.
De Bruyne’s Big Return: No surprise, Kevin De Bruyne played a pivotal role in the victory. Back from injury, De Bruyne was the orchestrator, contributing a goal and an assist in the first half.
His performance proved the importance of his return, adding fluency and confidence to City’s attack. The rumors about a rift between De Bruyne and Guardiola were quickly dismissed as De Bruyne started and dominated the game.
A New-Old Partnership: Grealish’s revival came alongside De Bruyne, with the pair forming a seamless attacking partnership. Grealish combined well with the Belgian and Bernardo Silva, creating overlaps, underlaps, and intricate one-twos.
For the first time in a long while, Grealish seemed to rediscover the free-roaming playmaker role he excelled in before his move to City. He was unlucky not to score, but his impact was undeniable.
A Tactical Masterstroke? The result was clear: Grealish, deployed centrally, looked like a player transformed. His playmaking and link-up with wingers, particularly the relentless Erling Haaland, was a sight to behold.
Guardiola’s decision to give Grealish a run in his natural role, despite previous hesitations, paid dividends. It’s uncertain whether this role will be permanent, but City saw more fluidity and creativity in attack.
Why This Matters: City’s attacking play had been stagnant before this match, with several key players struggling. The midfield setup with Grealish central and De Bruyne pulling the strings was a refreshing change. It wasn’t just about the win—it was about Grealish finally playing in a way that felt right for him and the team. Could this be the breakthrough City fans have been waiting for?
Know this: Grealish’s central role against Nottingham Forest was a glimpse of the player City signed in 2021. It might not be the permanent solution, but Guardiola has finally found a way to make Grealish shine. After three years of waiting, the City faithful might finally get to see the best of their £100m man.
