‘I played with Jack Grealish at Aston Villa and he’s like a mannequin at Man City’: Grealish former teammate says as he weighs amid alleged Pep ‘rift’
Context? Former Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given isn’t holding back when it comes to Jack Grealish’s time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. According to Given, the £100 million man is being wasted, sidelined, and robbed of his true potential. Ouch. Call Pep, anyone?
The Inside Gist: Grealish, once hailed as a “generational talent,” has barely been on the pitch this season. With just four Premier League starts and minimal minutes in the Champions League, fans are wondering: is Pep benching brilliance?
Given, who shared the dressing room with a young Grealish at Villa, is convinced the winger is being played out of position and likened his role at City to that of a “mannequin.”
“I feel sorry for him out there,” Given said during BBC5Live’s Monday Night Club. “He’s such a talented player playing out of position. It’s frustrating to watch.”
Clock this: Grealish thrived as a central playmaker for England in recent matches, but at City, he’s been stuck on the left wing, where his creativity feels caged.
His lack of game time this season is glaring, especially after missing out on England’s Euro 2024 finals run.
Picture this: A fully unleashed Grealish, pulling the strings in midfield, creating magic alongside Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. But for now, he’s warming the bench.
Is Pep to Blame?
Given doesn’t shy away from pointing fingers, subtly taking aim at Guardiola’s tactics. He added:
“That sounds a bit harsh perhaps on Pep or whatever, but I just think he’s being wasted”.
Guardiola has a track record of molding players to fit his vision, often at the expense of their natural flair. Grealish’s role at City has turned into more of a possession-holder than the maverick playmaker fans fell in love with at Villa.
What’s Next for Grealish?
- Will he stick it out at City and fight for a more central role?
- Or will frustration lead to a potential move away from the Etihad?
Cityzens, what’s your take? Is Jack Grealish’s immense talent being squandered, or is this just Pep’s master plan taking its time? Either way, fans (and Shay Given) aren’t thrilled to see a player of his caliber reduced to cameo appearances.
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