“Still has three or four brilliant years ahead of him” - Shay Given backs Jack Grealish to walk into Liverpool and Chelsea XI in different position

Former Manchester City custodian Shay Given has said that embattled midfielder Jack Grealish is good enough to play for Chelsea or Liverpool despite his uncertain future at the Etihad. The England international is coming off a difficult season.

In 32 appearances across competitions - starting 15 times - the England international bagged three goals and five assists as City ended the season without major silverware.

“I think Jack has been a generational talent. I really do. I think Jack can play for every single team in the country,” Given said to the Metro (via Caught Offside). I remember not so long ago he was playing a central role for England when they played Ireland last year, he was the star man. He was phenomenal that day.

“He is only 29. He still has three or four brilliant years ahead of him at the top. Having not played recently, he will be really hungry to go out there and show how good he is."

Given concluded:

“I wouldn’t want to name clubs but at the same time I think he walks into any team in the country, that even includes Liverpool or Chelsea or anyone. I think he just needs to be given a batch of games to show how good he is back in that central position and not out wide.”

Grealish has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli, as per Football Insider despite being contracted with City till 2027.

What's next for Chelsea and Liverpool?

Both Chelsea and Liverpool had successful 2024-25 seasons. While the Reds won their first Premier League title in five years, the Blues recovered after a slow start to finish fourth, with both teams qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

Enzo Maresca's side won the UEFA Europa Conference League, becoming the first team to win Europeaan club football's three major competitions. They will next be in action at the new-look FIFA Club World Cup in the USA, where they open their campaign against Club Leon on June 16 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Meanwhile, the Reds won't feature in the tournament, with Manchester City being the other English club, having won one of the last four editions of the UEFA Champions League.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Bhargav