‘I expect’ – Sky Sports pundit drops ‘huge’ Man City claim after hearing what’s going on at the Etihad
Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson lauded Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish for giving a “refreshingly honest” TV interview after hoisting the Premier League championship on Sunday.
The 26-year-old was chosen to Pep Guardiola’s matchday squad for the Sky Blues’ final game of the season against Aston Villa last weekend, where they won an incredible 3-2 comeback victory to clinch the title in dramatic manner in front of their delighted home fans.
The England international moved to the Etihad Stadium in a British record £100 million move from the Midlands last summer, but he hasn’t got the start he would have liked in Manchester.
According to Transfermarkt, he has only scored three goals and supplied the same number of assists in 26 Premier League games for City.
Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the encounter on Sunday, the former Villa captain admitted to feeling ‘nervous’ playing under Guardiola since his arrival at the Etihad, but Robinson believes Grealish will show a’significant improvement’ ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The former England goalkeeper told Dylan Childs of Football Insider:
“I liked his interview after the game. I thought it was refreshingly honest.
“He has found it tough this season but it’s a different role for him. He has stepped out of his comfort zone into a dressing room full of stars with an expectation to win the Premier League. Man City are expected to win every competition they are in. Grealish hasn’t had that before.
“It is very different playing week in, week out for Villa being the main man. At City he is not guaranteed a game.
“I think the experiences of this season will stand him in good stead for next year though. I expect we will see a big improvement next season. He will only get better.”
Despite his lack of goal contributions thus far at City, the 20-cap England international has had a positive impact anytime he has been on the pitch, averaging two vital passes, 1.7 shots, and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.
Grealish is certainly capable of producing more in the final third, as he did with ease during his time at Villa, where he contributed 75 goals.
This may come more readily to him if he has had the opportunity to properly mix into the City starting XI.
Guardiola will now be preparing for the start of the new season, when the £250k-per-week player may play a key role in continuing the club’s remarkable run of success over the decade.
ALSO READ:
- Manchester United have one thing Real Madrid can’t offer Harry Kane
- Latest Chelsea transfer news: Mauricio Pochettino first Chelsea signing confirmed as Real Madrid contact Kai Havertz
- Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool: Medical, shirt number, wages and everything we know
- Tottenham agree contract with Ange Postecoglou to make him their new manager
- Chelsea decide ‘top two transfer targets’ after scrapping Manuel Ugarte deal
- Man Utd ‘make £50m Mason Mount bid as they push for England double-transfer with Harry Kane’
‘I expect’ – Sky Sports pundit drops ‘huge’ Man City claim after hearing what’s going on at the Etihad
