Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has waxed lyrical about Manchester City winger Jack Grealish following England’s 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday night.
Grealish opened the scoring in the Nations League fixture, slotting the ball home after just 18 minutes. Speaking in an interview about his England teammate after the game, Rice said:
“Do you know how good Jack Grealish is? Honestly, you watch him in training and in games, and he’s got something that’s really special as a football player.”
“I’m not saying that because he’s one of my best friends in football; the way he takes the ball under pressure, takes touches, relieves you of pressure as a team is just incredible.”
“For him to score again for England. He’s been playing loads at Man City as well, he’s looked really confident as well. I’m buzzing for him because when we’ve got a Jack Grealish who is happy and smiling and playing well, he’s a massive boost for England and I think everyone can see that.”
Grealish has started the season strongly
While his numbers may not necessarily reflect it, the 29-year-old has produced some very good displays since the beginning of the campaign.
Manager Pep Guardiola has started Grealish in 7 of City’s 11 fixtures in all competitions. It’s a stark contrast to last season when form and fitness meant that the winger was limited to just 24 starts.
4 other City players also featured for England during the international break
Grealish was not the only member of City’s first-team squad who has played for the Three Lions in their last two fixtures.
Phil Foden, John Stones and Rico Lewis all started the 2-1 defeat to Greece last week, while Grealish joined Kyle Walker and Stones in the first eleven for the victory over Finland. Foden and Lewis also came on as substitutes in that match.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
