Jack Grealish has been a rejuvenated figure since the World Cup break, starting all but two of the 12 Premier League games Manchester City have played since the mid-season break.
His cameo goal in the 2-1 loss to Manchester United looks to have sparked a run that has got many Blues fans praising the performances of the £100million man. Before flying off to Qatar, the 27-year-old had been criticised for his output.
Grealish opened his account for the season within the first minute of the 3-0 win away at Wolves in September but that was his sole goal contribution in 16 outings, of which he started only five. City fans have always backed their playmaker but their want for him to do well led to some airing their disappointment.
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There were audible groans on several occasions during City’s 2-1 Champions League triumph over Borussia Dortmund when Grealish received the ball, rolled the ball under his studs for a few seconds before passing it backwards and sideways - and repeat.
The noise around his player prompted Pep Guardiola to launch a staunch defence. "I know him and I'm more than happy and delighted with what he's doing," he said.
"I don't have any doubts about him, not at all. Now it's just a question of time to get back a little bit of his momentum that he had at the beginning of the season.”
Speaking on BT Sport, Rio Ferdinand said Grealish could only silence the outside critics in one way. “You only stop talking about the [Grealish transfer] fee when you're producing consistently, scoring goals week in, week out.
"I understand people are questioning it, questioning about the fee but I don’t think there will be anyone more frustrated or with a bigger desire to prove people wrong than Jack Grealish. He’s a passionate guy about football, he wants to be the best, go to City and put his marker down.”
However, Grealish’s recent form is proving Ferdinand's goal-getting assessment wrong. Grealish has become a key player for the Blues of late but has only found the net once, and his critics have seemingly lost their voices.
His three assists since Christmas tell a better picture and the wide man has been taking on opponents and winning free-kicks on a frequent basis once again. He hasn’t been benched in the league since his goal at Old Trafford.
The only goal he did get since then was a vital one, finding the net at the Emirates in an important 3-1 win over league leaders Arsenal. After the game, he unpacked how much he is enjoying his football again and detailed how his aim is slightly different from the one Ferdinand outlined.
“For me it was a great night, that’s what I’ve wanted to do, especially recently, you know, I’ve been playing well but I want to come and affect these big games,” he told Amazon Prime.
"To score that one tonight was so important and honestly man, I’m absolutely buzzing for myself and the team.”
A few days later, Guardiola hailed Grealish and gave him an aim for the rest of the season. “Obviously Jack is playing really good,” he said. “I'm not talking about decision-making, we talk about his ambition or aggression.
“Attacking the backline, the quality was always there, but his commitment to take a risk and important decisions right now makes the difference. He has to continue (doing this).” Full circle.
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