Erling Haaland couldn’t resist having a bit of fun on social media after Jack Grealish’s outstanding performance for Everton, jokingly renaming him “Jack De Bruyne” in reference to City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne. And to be fair, the nickname felt more than deserved given the way Grealish lit up Molineux.
The on-loan Manchester City winger produced a masterclass in creativity, setting up goals for Beto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall while also playing a key role in Iliman Ndiaye’s strike. His link-up play, vision, and ability to glide past defenders gave Everton the attacking spark they’ve often lacked, and it proved decisive as David Moyes’ side secured all three points on the road.
What makes this resurgence even more eye-catching is the contrast with Grealish’s time at City. During two underwhelming seasons in Manchester, he registered just two Premier League assists — a return far below expectations for a player of his quality. Yet in just a handful of games at Everton, he has already contributed four assists, instantly becoming one of the team’s most influential figures.
The move seems to have reignited his confidence and freedom on the ball. Freed from the tactical constraints of Pep Guardiola’s system, Grealish is playing with the swagger and creativity that once made him the heartbeat of Aston Villa. His willingness to take risks in possession and deliver early balls into dangerous areas has given Everton a new dimension going forward.
Moyes, who has been searching for consistency in attack, now appears to have found his X factor. If Grealish continues in this vein, not only could he help Everton steer clear of relegation worries, but he might also rebuild his reputation as one of England’s most gifted playmakers.
Ironically, his exclusion from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad on Friday may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The added motivation seems to be fueling his performances, and with Haaland dubbing him “Jack De Bruyne,” Grealish now has both the nickname and the numbers to back up his revival story.
For Everton fans, the hope will be simple: if Grealish can maintain this form, he may just turn their season around.
