Everton Faced With Jack Grealish Decision

Welcome to my first article for Roundtable. I am delighted to ask, and answer, the question that most Evertonian’s would be asking themselves, should Everton keep Jack Grealish or let it be a one- season wonder.

The news breaking that we had signed Jack Grealish was met by Everton fans with delight. A treble winner with Manchester City, who had somewhat fallen out of favour with Pep, and most of all, a very talented footballer.

All opinions are relative, but in my opinion, Jack Grealish is (on his day) one of the most talented and exciting players that Everton possesses. That is no slight on some of Everton’s players like Illman N’Diaye and James Garner, that is a compliment to Jack Grealish.

In his first 2 starts, he grabbed four assists and was Premier League Player of the Month for August. His goal return wasn’t spectacular and should have been more (albeit an injury) but let’s not forget, both his goals were match-winners vs Crystal Palace and Bournemouth

Besides the stats, Grealish has the work rate that Everton require. His link-up with the full back behind him makes them look better, whether he was on the right or the left, making Jake O’Brien and Vitali Mykolenko look half competent was and is half the battle. His movement off the ball, his constant tugging of the touch line draws players in and with the skill he possesses, it makes counter-attacking and any other attack more potent with Grealish on the wing.

This might sound like a tired argument, but Jack Grealish brings a feel-good factor to the club just by being on the pitch. That doesn’t mean he can just stroll around the pitch doing nothing, not at all, but for players like James Garner, Dewsbury-Hall, even Tyler Dibling, they will be looking at Jack thinking well, he can do it for Everton, why can’t I?

Everton fans will make up their mind about a player in a heartbeat, rightly or wrongly. Jack Grealish has become a fan favourite, he ‘gets’ Everton, he gets what it is to play for Everton, he is a down-to-earth lad who wants to play football. He has won the fans over and then some.

Money. Let’s face it, this could be an argument for any player coming to Everton. Jack Grealish will cost a lot in wages, no denying. He was on an initial loan last year with Everton touted at paying 75% of his wages, which would easily be north of £200k a week.

That is, for Everton, a lot of money to be whacking out on a player when money has recently been tight. City might not want to let him go on loan again, and let's not forget they spent £100m on Grealish.

Jack Grealish is not getting any younger. He is 31 in September. He isn’t old by any stretch of the imagination. However, as last season showed, his injuries will take longer to heal, resulting in him missing more games than he should due to age.

Is this a David Moyes short-term fix? Moyes has been known to use the transfer market to paper over cracks with a more seasoned veteran as opposed to younger players. Jack has been very complimentary about David Moyes in the past so there is that bond, which would fire the flame of this notion.

In my opinion, I think this signing is a no-brainer. Sign him. Whether it be on loan or otherwise. The pros outweigh the cons; he is a great football player with the ability to change a game on a sixpence with him being on the pitch. Better players make other players better, and that is how Everton can win more football matches.

It is no surprise, our results dipped when Grealish was injured.

So, sign him now.