Everton Fans Praised Man City Loanee After his Debut

Everton fans have made their feelings clear on Jack Grealish as the Manchester City loanee made his debut during the 1-0 defeat to Leeds United. The 29-year-old endured a difficult last 12 months at the Etihad, and with hopes of a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad next summer fading, the playmaker completed a temporary switch to Merseyside in order to revive his career.

Somewhat surprisingly, Grealish, who chose to wear the number 18 at the club, was named on the bench at Elland Road. But as David Moyes’ side failed to provide much in the way of attacking threat, the Champions League winner was introduced with less than 20 minutes of regular time remaining, and fans have had their say following his first outing.

Everton Fans Vent Grealish Frustration

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While it was Leeds’ debutant Lukas Nmecha who came off the bench to become the hero by netting the late penalty that gave the hosts victory, fans of the visiting side were left frustrated by Grealish – or more appropriately, by how David Moyes utilised him.

The forward was often seen hugging the touchline and playing out wide, much like he was forced to do during his forgettable tenure at the Etihad. And when Everton needed some magic and creativity in the centre of the pitch, the man capable of providing it remained out wide and rarely threatened in the areas where he originally made a name for himself.

All in all, the former Aston Villa man had just 15 touches, completing eight passes and drawing just one foul while losing possession three times. But the main anger was not at the player and rather directed towards how he was utilised.

One fan asked: “Why is Grealish on the wing? Get him in the midfield or 10,” while a second stated: “Grealish could learn a lot from Ndiaye tbh.”

Much of the complaints were directed at the manager’s decision to force him to hold the width, with one remark summarising: “David Moyes got Grealish and is playing him as a touchline winger when this team would improve massively with him in a central position.”

Another said: “Everton must keep getting the ball to Grealish. Stop playing down the right,” while a third gave a more detailed criticism by saying: “So poor, all on Moyes this. Trying to play out from the back with a defence that includes Michael Keane is amateur at best. The best player on the pitch, Grealish, can’t get near the ball because Pickford, O’Brien and Keane are having a game of their own.”

David Moyes got Grealish and is playing him as a touchline winger when this team would improve massively with him in a central position 🕊️🕊️🕊️ it’s over.