Jack Grealish has issued a performance plea amid recent scrutiny and criticism.
The 27 year-old, who joined Manchester City in a record breaking £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021, has had an underwhelming start to life at the Etihad Stadium.
The Englishman won his first Premier League title last season, as City dramatically beat his boyhood club to win their fourth Premier League in five years.
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Grealish made 39 appearances for City last season, scoring six goals, including a stunning solo goal on his Champions League debut.
The forward has had an enjoyable start to the new campaign, netting against Wolves and putting in memorable performances, particularly against Manchester United last month.
Grealish was part of a City side which demolished Erik ten Hag's United with a devastating first 45 minutes.
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Four first-half goals helped the Blues to an impressive 6-3 victory, with hat-tricks for both Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.
Despite criticism for being directly involved in just 11 goals since his £100 million transfer, Grealish believes that is unfair to be judged on statistics.
Speaking in an interview with L'Equipe, the 27 year-old said: “[Using statistics] is the worst argument you can use in my case.
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"As a winger, I have never scored many goals throughout my career. During my final season with Aston Villa, I only scored six times in the Premier League and before that, I scored eight times in the Premier League (2019-2020) and six times in the Championship (2018-2019). So if Manchester City bought me, it wasn’t for my statistics.
“I would love to pile on the goals and assists, but I’m not that type of player.
"I can offer other things to my team, for example by attracting two or three opponents toward me, which frees up space for my teammates.
"In the end, if I manage to create lots of chances for my teammates, that’s good with me.”
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The Manchester City star will be hoping to continue his fine form in the Blues' five remaining matches prior to the World Cup pause, as Gareth Southgate nears his squad announcement.
Grealish could be one of five City stars travelling to Qatar with England; alongside Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Kalvin Phillips and John Stones.
City face Leicester in their final away match before the hiatus on Saturday afternoon.
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Pep Guardiola's side can move to the top of the table with a victory at the King Power Stadium.
Topics: Manchester City, Jack Grealish, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, Aston Villa
Harry Winters