LIVERPOOL, England: Everton manager David Moyes was delighted with the excellent performance of new signing Jack Grealish after he created two assists in a 2-0 win over Brighton last night, describing the player as acting as if he wanted to prove something.
The 29-year-old joined Everton on loan from Manchester City to revive his stalled international career, having made just seven league starts for City last season.
Grealish was also left out of the England squad for last year’s European Championship.
“I think the player we saw with Manchester City when they won the treble was a pretty exciting guy. I hope he can get back to that level,” Moyes said.
“He’s really enthusiastic. Doesn’t try to run away from a challenge. Doesn’t want to go out after 60 minutes. He wants to prove he’s really good.
Grealish’s two assists this time equalled the total he had produced in his previous 49 league appearances with City, earning him a standing ovation from the fans when he was brought off in the final minutes of the match.
“I told him, ‘be brave against the players, you have the freedom to try, create chances and do things’,” Moyes said.
“I’m really happy with Jack. He did a lot of positive things. I’m not sure if he gave the ball away today, but if he did it was very rare. We were looking for different attacking options with creativity and he gave us something different today.”
Moyes also praised goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who saved Danny Welbeck’s penalty in the 77th minute, after the penalty was awarded for a handball by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
“Jordan probably changed the outcome of the game because at that time we were a bit under pressure,” said Moyes.
“If they score that penalty, it could be a difficult period for us.
“But we shouldn’t be surprised, because he does have the ability to save penalties. Sometimes he makes me dizzy with his passes everywhere. But ultimately, the goalkeeper’s job is to use their hands to save the ball and today he helped us a lot.”
The victory was significant for Everton as it was their first league match at the brand new Dickinson Hill Stadium, exactly 133 years after the old Goodison Park stadium opened.