After Manchester City beat Real Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League semi-final second leg, Michael Owen had his say on Jack Grealish.
While speaking during BT Sport’s coverage of Europe’s elite competition, the Ballon d’Or winner admitted that he initially had doubts about whether the ex-Aston Villa skipper would succeed at City.
However, upon witnessing Jack Grealish thrive in a Manchester City shirt this season and particularly against Real Madrid, Michael Owen sang his praises.
Michael Owen raves about Jack Grealish as Manchester City maul Real Madrid
Rio Ferdinand, who branded the 27-year-old as ‘phenomenally talented’ also spoke at length about how impressive his transformation has been.
From being an individualist at Villa to becoming the complete team-player at the Etihad Stadium, Grealish has adapted to newer surroundings with aplomb.
After witnessing Jack Grealish put on a masterclass for Manchester City against Real Madrid, Michael Owen pinpointed his staggering evolution.
“I must admit that when he first came to this City team, I wondered if he could fit into it. He was used to running 60 yards up the pitch, getting brought down for a free-kick, players getting bodies in the box.”
“I thought that isn’t Man City. They don’t really want to win free-kicks. They want to play quick. I thought he is going to have to sharpen up and take less touches when he comes to this club, boy has he adapted. Fair play to him.”
Jack Grealish deserves all the praise in the world
Like Michael Owen said after Manchester City mauled Real Madrid, Jack Grealish has adapted terrifically and this alone is a huge achievement.
It is not easy to play for one of the most demanding managers in the world in Pep Guardiola, whilst being ridiculed for being one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history.
However, it seems like Grealish has taken all the stick on the chin and simply grafted whilst learning Guardiola’s ways, and his persistence is bearing fruit.
While the England international initially struggled at the Etihad Stadium, he is now making a habit of etching his name into the history books.
