Jack Grealish has been ‘overtaken’ by Man City team-mate Jeremy Doku, claims Chris Sutton – as he said the England star could be ‘a little bit worried’ about his future at the club on It’s All Kicking Off.
Grealish was one of the stars of City’s treble-winning season but since the Belgium international Doku arrived from Rennes in the summer for £55million, he has looked out of favour under Pep Guardiola.
Doku has started five of City’s nine games – and grabbed an assist in Man City’s 2-1 win over Brighton. Grealish, meanwhile, has started just twice – having quickly adapted to life at the Etihad – and Sutton believes his form is bad news for the former Aston Villa forward.
Speaking on Mail Sport podcast It’s All Kicking off, he said he was impressed by how Doku ‘destroyed James Milner’ and caused the Seagulls problems with his direct running, while Grealish ‘played safe’ after coming on.
‘I tell you a dilemma Pep does have. After watching Doku at the weekend, I think Grealish is in a bit of a bother in terms of holding down [a place],’ Sutton said.
Where I think [Grealish] was first choice last season, I think Doku has overtaken him. Now I’m not saying he’s going to struggle to get a game – and they’re playing so many games – but I think Doku has that position on the left-hand side for Manchester City nailed down in front of Grealish.
‘I really think that’s one to watch. I do think at the weekend Doku was getting the ball more and direct running. He destroyed James Milner in the first half. But when Grealish came on he was a bit safe. He must be a little bit worried, Jack.’
Grealish played 50 times last season as City claimed almost every trophy available to them – scoring five times and starting the Champions League final that the team won 1-0 against Inter Milan.
The 28-year-old gained publicity for his passionate celebration during Manchester City’s treble-winning celebrations, being involved in boozy nights out with his team-mates as he was seen drinking on the streets of Manchester and in Ibiza over the summer.