Jack Grealish is enjoying his best Manchester City form since his £100m move last season, earning deserved plaudits for his goals and assists in big games that are keeping the Blues on the tail of Arsenal.
However, while most onlookers consider Grealish to be playing far better than he did last season, former City goalkeeper David James believes the winger is actually showing remarkable consistency from last year. Only now, people are starting to appreciate his contributions.
"Jack Grealish looked like a player who wants to win the league," James told MEN Sport when reflecting on City's win over Liverpool, speaking ahead of his latest appearance at Soccer Aid for UNICEF in June
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"He was fantastic last season as well, he wasn't anywhere near bad. I know he got a lot of question marks about him. The reason I said he 'wants to win the league' is because now they're chasing Arsenal and last season it was City who were dominant and Liverpool were trying to catch them.
"I love Grealish - he's carried himself so well since he's been at City. There have been question marks of his price tag but he's continued to perform. And more importantly he's continued to perform the way Pep needs him to perform as opposed to him showing something different.
"It's a combination of him being such a talented footballer and also the way Pep knew Grealish was going to be part of City's makeup. If they are to win the league, which they obviously have a chance of doing, then Jack again will be a major part of that."
With Grealish's mentality and desire to help City close down the eight-point gap on Arsenal, James believes his recent good form is a reward for a continuation of that attitude in his first season at the Etihad.
"Jack signed last year, they won the league, he was heavily involved. In a sense his acquisition was correct," he said. "Someone like Jack, he's been so consistent over the last couple of seasons that people are starting to appreciate what it is he's been doing rather than him being considerably better than he was before."
James was speaking in the build up to this year's Soccer Aid event in June, and said all players involved must have a similar 'must-win' attitude to the charity game in order to help raise as much money as possible.
"This year we've got Jermain Defoe coming in, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill and Jack Wilshire," he said. "Jermain Defoe and Jack Wilshire, I played a game up in Scotland recently where both scored - unfortunately Jermain scored twice against me. I'm happy to see that he's on my side. Jill Scott's involved, she'll be getting the coffees in!
"I'm looking forward to a bit of banter but a dedicated attempt to get a win which I haven't seen since I've been involved, it's six years since England won. It's too long, we'll have to bring out a SoccerAid song with the Lightning Seeds.
"While that game is going on we just want to win. You can't do anything during the 90 minutes. Everything we can do is pre-game promoting the fixture and everything UNICEF do. We have to win the game otherwise it becomes another triumph for the World XI, and the likes of Usain Bolt who says he's going to score every year. If he scores I'll be devastated.
"In the end that's the professionalism. Even the likes of Tom Grennan, he just loves football, nearly got in the Luton team. The idea of going out there and not doing your best to win a game of football wouldn't sit right with the rest of the changing room. Winning is very important - but in the end, the figure raised is the most important thing on the night. Everyone involved is so grateful for the donations from the public, they're the ones who help change kids lives around the world.
"Lee Mack might admit he might not be the best player on the park. But Lee Mack tries to be the best that Lee Mack can ever be. That's the same in training and in games. It's the same reason we all love him, it's not like he goes out for a jolly. Liam Payne, he was fantastic last year, back again this year. We've got such a good blend between celebrities and ex-pros who just want to be out there. There's no point joining in if you don't want to win, no point if you physically can't be capable of not trying to help the team."
Tickets for Soccer Aid For UNICEF on Sunday 11th June 2023, are now on sale via www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets with a family of four able to attend for just £60 – two adults and two children.
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