‘It’s just a shame’ – Jack Grealish hits back at critics over Manchester City goal contribution figures | OneFootball

Manchester City forward Jack Grealish has hit back at critics over his goal contribution figures this season, despite his performances being of a high level in recent weeks.

Grealish was praised by the large share of Manchester City supporters following his return to the left-side of Pep Guardiola’s attack in the last two matches, showcasing exactly what the side had perhaps been missing in recent games.

Manchester City often benefit from control and patience in the final third, with an eye for a pass and the speeding up of play when required, and many believe that Jack Grealish is the ultimate talent for that exact set-up.

However, despite the positive impact on Manchester City’s play, some have been critical of Jack Grealish’s inability to impose himself on the goals and assist charts, despite his contributions being imperative to two goals at Selhurst Park in particular.

Speaking during a recent interview, Grealish insisted that goals and assists are not the be all and end all of his performance levels, highlighting his impact on matches in a tactical sense, especially against Crystal Palace.

“In myself I feel like I’m coming back now, I feel fit and strong,” Grealish insisted. “I didn’t score or assist against Palace but I played well, I was involved in most of the goals but everyone loves stats, assists and goals.”

The 28-year-old continued, as relayed by the Manchester Evening News, “I feel I bring so much more to the team than just goals and assists. If you watch the game back you’ll see I played well, it’s just a shame that everyone in the world now just loves stats.”

Grealish was once again at his tactical best in the recent 3-3 draw against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night, drawing fouls and retaining much-needed control for Manchester City in attacking areas.

Many had tipped Grealish to be essential in aiming to make the most of Real Madrid’s quartet of players at risk of suspension for the second-leg, and the England international did just that, drawing a tackle from Aurelien Tchouameni inside 40 seconds.

The Frenchman was cautioned, and will subsequently not be eligible to compete against Manchester City in the return-leg at the Etihad Stadium this coming Wednesday.

Jack Grealish will likely start the majority of Manchester City’s remaining contests across competitions this season, and his fitness will be crucial to Pep Guardiola’s plans to bring back the Treble to the Etihad Stadium.