Ex-Premier League referee: This may be real reason for Jack Grealish troubles at Man City
Jack Grealish is not winning as many fouls this season because of the tactical difference between Man City and Aston Villa.
That is according to ex-Fifa and Premier League official Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the “notable change” in the 26-year-old this term.
Grealish was the most fouled player in the 2020-21 Premier League campaign despite missing three months through injury.
However, this season the attacking midfielder is tenth on the list, with Wilfried Zaha leading the way. (AS)
Hackett believes Guardiola will see it as “a positive change” in Grealish’s game.
“It’s an interesting one with Grealish,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“When you look at the number of goals scored in the Premier League, a lot comes from set pieces so I don’t think he’s been told to change his game.
“At Aston Villa, he was the guy who received the ball all of the time. He was their talisman player.
“He is now in a different role at Man City. He is receiving the ball more in open space and is not having to get around players. I think it’s a product of the tactical difference between Man City and Villa.
“He is a very difficult player to play against because he’s so good with his back to the opposition. There has been a notable change though and a positive change from Pep Guardiola’s point of view.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has tipped Man City to ‘circumvent’ new Fifa rules after official announcement.