Jack Grealish's performances for Manchester City have made him nearly undroppable, according to former Republic of Ireland footballer David Meyler.
Manchester City clashed with Premier League leaders Arsenal in the Etihad on Wednesday night. It was a top of the table clash billed as the biggest match of the season, however only the hosts turned up on the night.
From the outset, City dominated the league leaders, with Arsenal succumbing to a 4-1 defeat in the end. While Kevin de Bruyne bagged a brace, and Erling Haaland's two assists and a goal would grab the headlines, David Meyler felt Jack Grealish should be the one celebrated.
Speaking to Nathan Murphy following the match, Meyler discussed the rise to power that Grealish has seen under City manager Pep Guardiola.
"I'm speechless with his transformation," Meyler said. "What Pep has made him do out of possession. I've never seen Jack Grealish run 60 yards back to put in a tackle, to put in a back.
"You're saying, 'this is Manchester City, that's the standards he sets for his players', at Aston Villa he didn't have to do that work, he had a free role.
"But now, Jack is so fantastic at receiving the ball at his feet, when he's got pressure up his backside, he can deal with the ball.
"And again, time after time, he makes that decision to come inside, or drop the shoulder and spin down the line, but he always keeps the ball. He keeps them ticking over."
'You can't leave Grealish out!'
With the season now nearing the crucial stages, Meyler believes that Jack Grealish is firmly among the players that Guardiola cannot afford to leave out of his matchday XI.
"Who would have thought the transformation of him, and how good he's become," Meyler said. "He's a key player in that team now.
"They've still got Mahrez and Foden, who don't start. When you look at Grealish and he's putting in performances like that, you can't really afford to leave him out."
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