Jack Grealish has been encouraged to surround himself with “better people” and “stay out of the firing line” while off the pitch.
The midfielder lifted his first Premier League title with Manchester City last month and defended his behaviour during the end-of-season celebrations. Grealish became the poster boy for England during a successful Euro 2020.
He’s earned celebrity status as a result and was reportedly set to pen a £1m endorsement deal with Gucci in April. His off-field endeavours have seemingly rarely affected his football performance.
That said, his time away from the pitch isn’t totally unblotted. He and Phil Foden were dropped by Pep Guardiola for December's clash with Newcastle after the pair were pictured in a nightclub after their 7-0 thrashing of Leeds.
Speaking on talkSPORT, former England international Danny Murphy suggested that the playmaker needs to get his ducks in a row.
“He has made a rod for his own back, Jack,” he said. “He has become a target because he’s got himself in some situations that you shouldn't get yourself in.
“And once you’ve had a couple of misdemeanours and a couple of problems that have been well documented, you then have to put your head down and stay out of the firing line. And there’s ways and means of doing it.
“Even the end of season stuff, when you’ve just won the league and you’re looking like you’re more done in than everyone else, you start saying a couple of silly things.”
Murphy said that in order for Grealish to reach his full potential, he must reconsider his social circle to protect his image. He admitted the attacker is likely to have a great career regardless but questioned whether he will become the best player he can.
He added: “There’s so much more room for him to improve and be better. And I think maybe he’s got to get himself into a situation where he’s putting himself around better people, who don’t encourage him to be in Vegas and be the first one at the party and the last one out.
“You can be more discreet in where you go and how you do it. He’ll still have a great career and he’ll still win things and be successful and very wealthy but will he be the best he can be by continually putting himself in his position?
“He is sought-after because of the way he looks, he’s a bit of a ‘Jack The Lad’, excuse the pun. But he could be cuter and cleverer with better support around him and where he socialises and how he’s portrayed.”
READ ALSO
-
Julian Alvarez has hand in four goals ahead of Man City move including incredible assist
-
Pep Guardiola knows Man City's most important signing of summer after surprise exit
-
Raheem Sterling has already told Man City and Chelsea what he wants amid new transfer links
-
Man City could complete sensational transfer window with four signings for £0 net spend
