Jack Grealish can justify Man City transfer on one condition vs Atletico Madrid

Jack Grealish said he moved to Manchester City to play in big Champions League games, so he’ll have a massive opportunity to justify that in the quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid tonight (Wednesday).

Ever since his British-record £100 million move from Aston Villa in the summer, the 26-year-old has consistently told the media he doesn’t just want to fit in at the Etihad Stadium, he wants to be the difference. Talking to CityTV upon signing for the club, Grealish said: "Playing in the Champions League was a massive thing (factor) for me (signing for City), as I haven't done that yet.

"When I was sitting down on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening last year, that is what I wanted to do, and to be able to do it with his club is going to be a dream."

Grealish has already played six games in Europe’s elite competition this season, but only really made his mark in one of them – his debut against RB Leipzig. He set up Nathan Aké for the opening goal of the contest before weaving in and out of the defence and curling in one of his own.

The England international has been bogged down by his relatively low goal contributions this season, but manager Pep Guardiola has insisted to the press he is extremely happy with how the summer signing is performing. If Grealish really wants to make the difference he alludes to, the game against Atletico is a perfect opportunity.

Against a tight defence in the first leg, the introduction of Phil Foden and Grealish was just what City needed – players who can operate in the tight areas and pick up free-kicks all over the field. With only a one-goal deficit, it’s likely to be a similar story in the second leg, so a well-rested Grealish is the player Guardiola may opt for from the start.

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