‘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.”


Pakistan promise final flourish as they await T20 World Cup fate

Updated 6 sec ago
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Pakistan promise final flourish as they await T20 World Cup fate

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka: Fast bowler Salman Mirza vowed on Friday that Pakistan will finish the Super Eights with a flourish against already-eliminated Sri Lanka, whether or not they still have hopes of reaching the semifinals.
Pakistan need England to beat New Zealand handsomely in Colombo on Friday and then post a big victory of their own against Sri Lanka on Saturday to sneak into the final four on net run rate.
A New Zealand win will end Pakistan’s hopes, rendering the Sri Lanka clash in Kandy meaningless in terms of the tournament.
“It’s a critical situation as reaching the semifinal is not in our control,” Mirza told reporters
“But if we reach the semifinal we have the capability to do better,” Mirza said.
Pakistan’s campaign started on a nervy note with a three-wicket win in a thrilling last-over finish against the Netherlands before overcoming the United States and Namibia.
In between they lost heavily to India in a highly anticipated clash in Colombo.
Pakistan’s first Super Eight match against New Zealand was washed out in Colombo before they lost to England and Harry Brook’s sparkling century in Kandy on Tuesday.
“We needed to win the match against England and that defeat has given us this position,” said Mirza.
After Brook was dismissed near the end of England’s run chase, Pakistan hit back with two wickets in the penultimate over.
Mirza bowled the final over with three runs to defend and two wickets to take for victory but Jofra Archer hit the first ball for four.
“I had the opportunity to become a hero in the final over, but I couldn’t grab that one,” said Mirza.
“Such opportunities do not come your way every day. Had I taken two wickets we would have won that match, but it was not to be.”
sh/dh