Jack Grealish has responded to Graeme Souness following criticism from the Scotland and Liverpool legend.
Earlier this week, Souness told talkSPORT that the Man City star is “a good footballer, but not a great player”. The England winger has been under scrutiny from the press ever since his £100 million move to Pep Guardiola‘s side in 2021.
“He was the most fouled player in the Premier League [at Aston Villa],” said the pundit. “I see that two ways. You’re having too many touches if you’re the most fouled player. And the reason you’re having too many touches is that you’re not seeing the picture quickly enough.
“I understand why people think he is better than he actually is,” continued the critique. “Because he runs with the ball and gets you on the edge of your seat.”
Graeme Souness’ comments actually reached Jack Grealish, who gave his thoughts on the feedback.
Jack Grealish responds to Graeme Souness
Speaking ahead of England’s Nations League clash against Italy, the Man City star questioned Souness’ intent with his criticism.
“I don’t know what his problem is with me,” said Grealish, via Daily Mail. “He always says stuff about me.
“I try not to read a lot of it. It is difficult when he’s on Sky Sports, and it’s everywhere around the training ground at times. He was obviously a great player and won a lot. But I don’t know what it is with what he says about me or what problem he’s got.”
Grealish then defended his play style in light of the former Liverpool player’s critique.
“I know my own ability. I know before he used to say a lot of stuff about me not moving the ball quicker. But when I’m playing for a manager like Pep Guardiola, and he’s telling me to keep the ball as much as I can and have balls to take it everywhere – that’s what I’ll try to do.
“Obviously I am always going to have people [criticising] if I’m not playing well,” he added. “I always watch my games back and I am very critical of myself. I know there were games, especially in the second half of last season, where I wasn’t my best at all. I’ll always have people on the back of me, but I’ve just got to try to go and perform.”
The Man City man grabbed his first goal of the season during last week’s 3-0 win at Wolves. This ended a barren run of games without a goal, plus could be the emergence of some good form for Grealish with the World Cup so close.
However, his retort to Graeme Souness drew a response from the pundit, who discussed what Jack Grealish said with talkSPORT.
Souness plays down “problem” with Man City star
The former Scotland international made a point of saying that his criticism of Grealish was nothing personal.
“I don’t have a problem with him, or anyone,” said Souness, via Daily Mail. “I don’t have a problem with Jack at all. He is a good player, technically he’s fantastic. I don’t believe we can be critical of the modern player.
“If I met Jack, I’m sure I’d really like Jack. I think he’s a cheeky chappy – I’d like to have a night out with him as well! But I just think the modern player doesn’t take criticism very well. I’ve had over 50 years in the game, so I think I’m entitled to an opinion.
“Don’t be so precious!” he remarked. “I don’t have a vendetta against anyone at all. It’s my opinion at this time on Jack Grealish. Really Jack doesn’t have to listen to me, he doesn’t have to listen to anyone. The only opinion that counts for Grealish should be the manager’s opinion.”
The winger will look to avoid further distractions from pundits as he prepares for the upcoming games with the England squad. They face Italy in Milan tomorrow night as part of the Nations League tournament. Then, on Monday, the Three Lions host Germany at Wembley.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
