Jack Grealish handed Man City fast track chance with Premier League repeat

Jack Grealish was thrust into the Manchester City starting lineup as soon as he signed in 2021.

That bucked the trend of players being eased into Pep Guardiola's methods, but it came out of necessity: with so many players playing prominent roles at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, the lesser-used Grealish was straight into the action to allow his new teammates a breather. Of the opening 10 league games, the only one Grealish didn't start was a home win over Burnley.

Three years on, the forward has it in his hands to embark on another extended run in the City team. While he would rather be at the European Championship going for more silverware, the 28-year-old has to see the positives from the latest wake-up call.

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Grealish's work towards next season has already begun with warm-weather runs far away from rainy England, and he will need to hit the ground running as soon as City return to pre-season. Having spoken to the player about the need to apply himself fully in training, Guardiola will be looking for evidence from their very first session together.

Four matches on tour will offer more opportunities to rebuild a partnership with Erling Haaland, and as well as the Community Shield against United in August the Blues have now been handed a Premier League opener away at Chelsea. A substitute at Stamford Bridge and at Wembley for the FA Cup Final last season, Grealish can quickly prove to everyone that he can have an impact in big games.

With more players at the Euros than any other Premier League club and with Guardiola keen for his