Opinion… Man City’s 1-1 draw vs Liverpool showed just how much they missed their 28-year-old player

Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-03-11 13:30:00

Jack Grealish’s absence was keenly felt by Manchester City in their recent 1-1 draw against Liverpool. Pep Guardiola expressed uncertainty about the player’s return to full fitness following an injury sustained in a previous match. Consequently, Grealish was not included in the matchday squad for the game at Anfield.

One of the significant areas where City struggled against Liverpool was in ball retention, a strength that Grealish typically brings to the team. Despite criticisms from Graeme Souness regarding his playing style, Grealish’s role at City is essential for controlling the flow of the game, especially in high-pressure matches against top teams like Liverpool.

Grealish’s absence was evident as City seemed to have been influenced by Liverpool’s rhythm, resulting in a rushed approach to their build-up play. In contrast, Grealish has shown tactical awareness and the ability to dictate the pace of the game, allowing City to dominate possession effectively.

His presence would have provided City with a strategic advantage in exploiting spaces and drawing fouls to disrupt the opposition’s momentum. Additionally, Grealish’s defensive capabilities and pressing would have helped City contain Liverpool’s attacking threats more effectively.

Overall, Grealish’s return from injury will be crucial for Manchester City as they aim to compete and succeed on multiple fronts. His absence was felt in the recent draw against Liverpool, highlighting the importance of his role in the team’s performance and success.

Read Original article on Manchester City News