‘Magic’ Grealish will come good, says Everton teammate Tarkowski

And defender James Tarkowski says new signing Grealish is the perfect choice to add sparkle to the historic occasion and help the club this season. (AFP)
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Updated 20 August 2025
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‘Magic’ Grealish will come good, says Everton teammate Tarkowski

  • The Toffees will play their first-ever match at new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday against Brighton

LIVERPOOL: Jack Grealish has been backed to provide the “magic” to help usher in a new era for Everton.

The Toffees face Brighton on Sunday in the first Premier League game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, having moved from their Goodison Park home after 133 years.

And defender James Tarkowski says new signing Grealish is the perfect choice to add sparkle to the historic occasion and help the club this season.

The 29-year-old Grealish has joined on loan from Manchester City after struggling for regular first-team opportunities at Etihad Stadium and losing his England place.

He made his Everton debut off the bench in Monday night’s 1-0 loss at Leeds United, where a controversial Tarkowski handball resulted in an 84th-minute penalty winner for Lukas Nmecha.

But the former Aston Villa captain, who cost City $135 million when he signed in 2021, and won three Premier League titles and the Champions League, now has the chance to revive his career with David Moyes’ side.

Everton looked short of attacking quality as they struggled to create chances against Leeds. But center-back Tarkowski believes Grealish can make a difference as the club look to add further signings before the transfer window closes.

“We all know Jack’s quality. We want to get him on the pitch as much as we can,” said the 32-year-old recently.

“I’m sure we’ll see him a lot more. I’ve played against him many a time so I know he’s quality. He’ll take the ball anywhere, carry it, dribble, create and pass and physically he’s one of the strongest I’ve played against, he’s incredibly strong.

“We’ll give him the ball as much as we can and trust him to go create and use his magic. We’ve seen it at Villa, we’ve seen it at City and hopefully we’ll see it here.

“For sure (he is a matchwinner). Hopefully he hits his best form at our place and he’ll be a great asset for us.”


Cherki pulls out Haaland celebrations after wonder goal in Man City’s win in the English League Cup

Updated 18 December 2025
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Cherki pulls out Haaland celebrations after wonder goal in Man City’s win in the English League Cup

  • The France playmaker pulled out some robot moves and then sat down cross-legged in a yoga pose
  • Savinho added a second goal for City in the 67th minute

MANCHESTER: Rayan Cherki recreated teammate Erling Haaland’s goal celebrations after curling an exquisite shot into the top corner in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Brentford in the English League Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.
The France playmaker pulled out some robot moves and then sat down cross-legged in a yoga pose after giving a much-changed City team a 32nd-minute lead.
With his tricks, skills and wonderful technique, Cherki is already proving a fans’ favorite in his first season in Manchester after moving from Lyon.
In a win over Sunderland this month, he produced a “rabona” cross that was headed in by Phil Foden but left City manager Pep Guardiola urging Cherki to play with “simplicity” like Lionel Messi.
The goal against Brentford was one Messi would have been proud of. Collecting a headed clearance at the edge of the box, Cherki deceived an opponent by switching the ball to his right foot and then whipped a shot into the top corner.
Savinho added a second goal for City in the 67th minute with a shot that was aided by a huge deflection that looped over Brentford goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson.
Haaland was named as a substitute for the game, didn’t come on, and was seen shaking the hand of Cherki when the midfielder was replaced in the second half.
City joined Chelsea, which beat third-tier Cardiff City 3-1 on Tuesday, in the semifinals.
Defending champion Newcastle were playing Fulham in a later kickoff on Wednesday. The quarterfinals are wrapped up next week when Arsenal host Crystal Palace.