Jack Grealish Rediscovers His Spark at Everton Ahead of Crucial EFL Cup Test
The EFL Cup is often described as the stage where new heroes are born and old stars rediscover their shine. For Jack Grealish, who has struggled to find rhythm at Manchester City in recent years, this season’s EFL Cup campaign with Everton could become the perfect platform for redemption.
Grealish’s Rocky City Spell
When Manchester City signed Grealish for a record-breaking £100 million in 2021, the footballing world expected magic. At Aston Villa, he was the heartbeat of the team, dazzling with dribbles, flair, and vision. At City, however, his influence waned. While he played a key role in the 2022–23 treble-winning side, the seasons that followed were less forgiving.
Guardiola’s tactical demands left little room for Grealish’s natural freedom. He ended up playing just a fraction of City’s league minutes last season, his role reduced to a bench option. By the time the FA Cup final arrived in 2025, Grealish was no longer in Pep’s primary plans.
For a player once hailed as England’s creative future, this was a harsh reality check.
A Fresh Start at Everton
Loaned to Everton for the 2025–26 season, Grealish has wasted no time making an impact. In his debut at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s new home, he assisted both goals in a 2–0 victory against Brighton. The performance didn’t just win Everton fans over—it reignited conversations about his true ability.
More than the assists, it was the way Grealish played: fearless dribbles, sharp passes, and the swagger that once made him one of the Premier League’s most entertaining midfielders. He looked alive again, driven by a manager in David Moyes who has given him the freedom to express himself.
Why the EFL Cup Matters for Grealish
The EFL Cup is not just another trophy—it’s a proving ground. For younger players, it’s often the first taste of senior football. For stars like Grealish, it’s a chance to remind the football world of their quality.
Everton’s early EFL Cup fixtures will be pivotal. Moyes is likely to use the competition to blend experienced names like Grealish with rising talents, offering the squad both depth and creativity. For Grealish personally, every EFL Cup tie is an opportunity to show he’s not just rebuilding confidence but ready to deliver consistently.
With City unlikely to regret letting him leave, Grealish will be motivated to show he can be the difference-maker in high-pressure knockout games.
Everton’s Ambitions in the EFL Cup
Everton’s relationship with domestic cups has been bittersweet. While their league campaigns often carry the weight of survival battles, cup competitions offer a chance at silverware. Now, with a rejuvenated squad and the spark of Grealish, the Toffees could be dark horses in this season’s EFL Cup.
A deep run could also restore Everton’s reputation as more than just a struggling Premier League outfit. For fans, lifting the EFL Cup would not only bring silverware but also signal the dawn of a new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Grealish and the Road Ahead
For Grealish, this isn’t just about one game or one trophy. It’s about rewriting the narrative. The EFL Cup represents the first real opportunity in his Everton journey to prove that he still belongs among the Premier League’s elite.
His combination of experience, vision, and renewed motivation could turn Everton into one of the most dangerous sides in this year’s competition. And if Everton do make a strong run, Grealish will likely be at the heart of it.
Final Word
The EFL Cup may not always grab the same attention as the Premier League or the FA Cup, but for players like Jack Grealish, it is invaluable. It offers him the chance to showcase his revival, inspire Everton’s fanbase, and perhaps even remind Gareth Southgate why he once was England’s golden boy.
Everton’s EFL Cup story is just beginning—but with Grealish pulling the strings, it already feels like one worth watching.