The last time Jack Grealish celebrated a goal was in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on 16/12/2023. Injury has cost the English player a regular place in Pep Guardiola's squad.
The 29-year-old striker missed 15 games in the 2023-24 campaign due to groin and hamstring problems. His inconsistent fitness meant that even when he was on the pitch, the player who once captivated Premier League fans was a shadow of his former self.
This season, despite making 10 Premier League appearances, Grealish has only played the full 90 minutes once as the Citizens ended their winless run with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Playing as a free "number 10" at Aston Villa, Man City paid a record amount for the English player. However, when moving to Manchester, Grealish never repeated the form he showed at Villa Park.
However, despite consistent performances and incredible moments for Villa, Grealish's career-high Premier League goalscoring tally is just eight.
Grealish's Premier League tally is 26 in 181 games, an average of 0.14 goals per game. Even at his best, goals have never been a strong point in Grealish's game.
Having been left out of Gareth Southgate's squad for EURO 2024, the 29-year-old striker was backed by former England caretaker manager Lee Carsley. At the time, Grealish failed to impress at club level, scoring just two goals in three games.
Under Carsley, Grealish has taken on a different role to his time at Man City. In a free-scoring role reminiscent of his final days at Villa, Grealish has shown some similarities to his former self.
After good performances against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, Grealish was given the same task by Guardiola when he returned to Man City. The Spaniard was optimistic as The Citizens ended a seven-game winless streak by beating Nottingham.
"Our football has always been built from midfield. They dictate the tempo and the way we play. We want to control the game and Grealish gives us that.
"He has the qualities to play as a defensive midfielder. He can hold the ball, break lines and has composure," said the Spanish tactician.
It seemed like Grealish's career had stalled for a while but with his new role, the signs are starting to look positive for the England international.
