Everton’s statement signing this summer is undoubtedly Jack Grealish.
The Manchester City winger has joined Everton on a season-long loan deal, which has sparked great excitement among supporters.
Grealish made his debut against Leeds United last night but was only afforded 20 minutes from the substitutes’ bench.
There were glimpses of his quality, but the Toffees did struggle to really establish themselves against the newly-promoted side.
With that said, it’s become pretty clear already that David Moyes will have to make one major sacrifice in order for Grealish to flourish.
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David Moyes must make one tactical change to get the best out of Jack Grealish at Everton
Already in the little we saw of Grealish yesterday, it was clear that he didn’t really have the environment to flourish.
Some of his best work in his career has come off the left wing with an overlapping full-back, thus allowing him space to cut in on his favoured right foot.
The role of the left-back is crucial in how Grealish performs, because if they can provide that width, it gives him more freedom to come inside and create centrally.
That was missing against Leeds, with James Garner clearly given instructions not to commit and penetrate the final third.
Ultimately, that stifled Grealish’s creativity as he was double-teamed throughout his cameo.
David Moyes will have to release the handbrake and start Adam Aznou
Moyes will have to release the handbrake to get the best out of Grealish, who needs to form a good understanding with one of the current left-back options.
Adam Aznou has arrived at Everton with a big reputation after a productive loan spell at Real Valladolid last season.
Moyes has admitted he wants to bed Aznou in and give him plenty of time to adapt, however, those plans may have to be accelerated.
The attack-minded left-back would unlock Grealish’s full potential, and Moyes will be aware that Vitaliy Mykolenko doesn’t have the same quality going forward.
Aznou wasn’t included in the squad last night, so the Scotsman must bring him into the fold as soon as possible.
An attacking triangle of Aznou, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish could cause teams some big problems.
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