According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Jack Grealish, the Manchester City star, has faced criticism from fans when compared with new signing, Jeremy Doku. The forward is coming off an exceptional season during which he was indispensable in City’s journey to winning the Premier League and Champions League titles, but has not quite replicated that level of performance yet.
Grealish’s Recent Performances For Manchester City
Contrary to the criticisms from fans, Grealish is having a satisfactory campaign at the Etihad Stadium. The 28-year-old has participated in five matches across all competitions and contributed with an assist.
While he hasn’t scored a goal yet, he has been highly effective on the left flank. In the Premier League, he has averaged 0.8 tackles, 1.3 shots, 1.8 key passes, and 0.5 dribbles per game. Additionally, he has maintained an impressive passing accuracy of 88.6% from his attempted passes in the English top flight (statistics sourced from whoscored).
What Does The English Forward Offer Man City When Compared To The New Signing?
Grealish has been facing criticism lately, largely because he’s now being directly compared to Jeremy Doku. The new signing has generated a lot of excitement, and it’s evident why fans have quickly taken a liking to him.
In contrast to City’s other forwards, Doku is a dynamic player who consistently seeks to advance with the ball and create exciting moments, rather than opting for a more conservative possession-based approach. On the other hand, Grealish, while skilled and effective in the attacking third, doesn’t provide the same level of raw excitement and thrill in his style of play when compared to Doku.
However, the former Rennes forward, who takes more offensive risks, can occasionally be inefficient, as demonstrated in Saturday’s loss to the Wolves. His lack of defensive effort left Nathan Ake struggling in the defensive third without support. This is where Grealish excels, as he fully embraces Guardiola’s football philosophy and has unwavering faith in the Spaniard’s tactics. The former Aston Villa player actively participates in defensive duties and prioritizes ball retention, only venturing forward when a clear opportunity arises. This is where the seasoned footballer sets himself apart from young forwards who often prioritize flashy play at the expense of possession.
