Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has explained what Jack Grealish needs to do at Manchester City to silence his critics.
The City midfielder has been under the microscope since his £100million transfer from Aston Villa. The enormity of the English international's price-tag means both rival fans and pundits are quick to criticise Grealish especially amid his slow start to life at the Etihad Stadium.
The former Villa man is yet to score or provide an assist for City this season, although minutes have been at a premium for Grealish after picking up a knock against Bournemouth, which saw him miss the Blues' following three games. Last season, the 27-year-old only managed to score three goals and provide three assists in 26 league appearances for Pep Guardiola's side.
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The lack of immediate impact was perhaps to be expected, as he got used to his new surroundings in Manchester. Even Erling Haaland has labelled Guardiola's system as "complicated" — despite the Norwegian scoring 10 league goals in six appearances.
However, Ferdinand now feels there is an urgency needed in Grealish's performances, as the former United defender explained that the former Villa player needs to start making a greater impact if he wants to silence his critics.
Ferdinand told BT Sport: "You only stop talking about the [Grealish's 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 any one more frustrated or 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.
"He’s had a year of grace because you need that adaptation - I’m hoping he comes good, I think his best position for City would be in the eight where he’s got time or freedom to go left or right than be stuck in the one position."
Grealish endured a frustrating first half — like his City teammates did — as they were held 0-0 by Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium, before Jude Bellingham made it 1-0 to the German side. Grealish was then taken off before the hour mark.
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