David Moyes faces a decision over how best to use Jack Grealish in an Everton side that has started the Premier League season unbeaten.
Everton have taken 10 points from their opening six games, although Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Hull City was followed by criticism from Moyes of his side’s performance. Journalist Ian Croll believes the manager must find a balance between Grealish’s style and Everton’s ability to attack quickly.
Moyes must find right balance with Grealish
Writing on X, Croll said: “Big questions over how Everton get the best out of Jack Grealish. His talent isn’t in doubt, but his preference to slow play clashes with a team whose strengths lie on being direct in transitions.
“Moyes needs to find a solution that benefits the team, not just the individual.”
Grealish is comfortable receiving the ball to feet, retaining possession and waiting for space to open up. Everton have also shown they can hurt teams by moving forward quickly when they win the ball.
There was an example at Hull when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall released Thierno Barry for the goal which put Everton 2-1 ahead. Barry has now scored six times in eight appearances this season, while Dewsbury-Hall was Everton’s highest-rated player at the MKM Stadium.
Moyes does not have to choose one approach. Grealish can give Everton greater control when games become congested, while the pace around him gives them the option to attack more directly.
Finding the right balance between those two approaches is the issue Croll believes Moyes needs to address as Everton prepare to face Chelsea on Saturday.
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