Pep Guardiola has hinted at a potential new role for Jack Grealish in Manchester City’s midfield after a strong performance against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Grealish, who has typically been deployed on the wing, shifted into a central position at Anfield on Sunday and started in midfield at the Etihad on Wednesday. His performance came shortly after former City goalkeeper Shay Given criticized Guardiola for “turning Grealish into a mannequin” by playing him out wide, a role Given argued stifled his creativity.
While Grealish didn’t register any goals or assists on the night, his display showed glimpses of the form that made him indispensable two years ago during City’s historic Treble-winning campaign. City’s midfield struggles this season, with Rodri sidelined for the entire campaign and both Mateo Kovacic and Kevin De Bruyne missing significant time, have opened the door for experimentation.
De Bruyne, making his first start in over two months, stole the spotlight with a standout performance against Forest, but Guardiola was equally pleased with Grealish’s contribution.
“Really good,” Guardiola said. “He played in the middle, was involved in many things, and if I decide to use him in that position in the next games, hopefully he can be involved in the final third being decisive with goals and assists.”
Guardiola praised Grealish’s ability to control the tempo, adding:
“Our football was always built in the midfield, the quality that makes our tempo and the control of the game, and Jack gives us that pace—when to accelerate, how to make more control—and he did it brilliantly. He played really good. I’m so happy for him.”
Guardiola even suggested that Grealish could adapt to deeper midfield roles in the future:
“I know his quality. He even has the attributes to play as a holding midfielder. He can keep the ball and break the lines. He played really good.”
As Grealish continues to adjust to this new role, Guardiola’s faith in his versatility could provide City with a valuable midfield option amid their ongoing injury struggles.
