Jack Grealish is already proving Pep Guardiola was right to take Man City transfer gamble

When it was confirmed earlier this month that Raheem Sterling had signed for Chelsea, there was understandably some trepidation at the decision.

Of course, Sterling had been blighted by inconsistent spells during his time in Manchester but there was a sense of familiarity about his inclusion in a matchday squad. You knew when he stepped onto the field that he was capable of producing a match-winning moment at the drop of a hat.

But perhaps what was causing the most unease was that Blues fans knew Jack Grealish really needed to step up to the plate. Last season was mediocre at best for the ex-Aston Villa man, with just six goals and four assists to his name in all competitions, it was hardly the form of a £100million signing.

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Questions were being raised as to whether a player who, up until 2021, had spent the vast majority of his career at his boyhood club, had what it took to compete with the very best in the Premier League. This summer, Grealish went on to make tabloid headlines for having a summer holiday and suddenly it began to feel like the pressure from all quarters could cause the City man to buckle.

Those concerns disappeared within 20 minutes of the Club America match. Grealish looked like a player without a care in the world - reminiscent of his best performances in the West Midlands.

His ability to pick the ball up and drive at the opposition meant he was quickly singled out by the Blues' two opponents in the USA. But, as he has admitted himself, a few kicks are a good thing.

What will have been most pleasing for City fans is how Grealish looks to have already formed a partnership with Erling Haaland. Throughout the 40 minutes against Bayern, Grealish was