Jack Grealish has hit back at Liverpool legend Graeme Souness following his criticism of the Manchester City star. The Sky Sports pundit claimed Grealish “doesn’t deliver enough” amid a difficult start to life in Manchester.
Despite getting himself on the scoresheet during Man City’s 3-0 win over Wolves on the weekend, Grealish has found himself on the end of some harsh criticism, days after teammate Kevin De Bruyne claimed the media treat the England International unfairly.
Speaking on talkSPORT earlier in the week, Souness stated: “Jack Grealish is a good footballer, he is not a great player.
“I understand why people think that he is better than what he actually is, because he runs with the ball, he gets you on the edge of your seat but he doesn’t deliver enough. He doesn’t see the picture, the right picture, and he doesn’t deliver it quick enough.
“I think if he was being a star every weekend then we would not be having this type of conversation about him. I was willing to cut him some slack because there is some genuine ball-playing dribbling talent there.”
The former Aston Villa captain responded to Souness’ comments whilst on international duty with England.
“I don’t know what his problem is with me,” Grealish was heard saying. “He always says stuff about me! But I try not to read a lot of it.
“I know he’s said 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.
“Listen, he was obviously a great player and won a lot but I know he has a lot of stuff to… I don’t know what it is with what he says about me or what problem he’s got. I know my own ability.”
Today, Souness responded to Grealish’s response to his initial comments. The former Liverpool player quickly made clear that he’s got nothing personal against Grealish, and would actually be interested in having a night out with the player.
“I don’t have a problem with Grealish, I don’t have a problem with anyone,” Souness said on talkSPORT.
“I think he’s a good player, technically he’s fantastic, but being a really good technician is only a part of the game. I don’t believe we can be critical of the modern player.
“I’m sure if I met Jack I would really like him. He’s a cheeky chappy and I’d like to have a night out with him as well, but I just feel the modern player doesn’t take criticism very well.”
After those initials comments, Graeme, we’re sure you would be one of the last people Grealish would call for a night out. Unlucky, mate.