TOUGH LOVE: DAVID MOYES REVEALS SECRET TO JACK GREALISH'S REVIVAL
David Moyes explains that being "honest" with Jack Grealish, even with "tough love," has revived the star's career, making him a fan favorite and consistent performer.
David Moyes discussed how he is getting the most out of Jack Grealish at Everton. He believes Grealish appreciates his direct style.
Since joining Everton on loan from Manchester City this summer, Grealish has quickly become a fan favourite. The England star, who won everything at his former club, seems to have rediscovered his enjoyment for the game since moving to Merseyside. Grealish himself credits Moyes, saying after Tuesday's 1-0 win at Bournemouth, "I love the manager." I've only known him for a few months, and I can't praise him enough. He makes me feel great, and I really want to play for him.
Moyes admitted to showing Grealish both encouragement and a bit of tough love when needed. I don't think I've done that much with Jack, Moyes said. We've just tried to show him some support, and the fans have been amazing with him.
He's settled in quickly, and he's playing well. He's scored a few goals and made a few assists, but he can still do more.
I'm honest with Jack, and he respects that, whether it's good or bad news.
You have to manage players differently, but most likely with honesty. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear, but Jack wants it, and he's responded well.
Importantly, he’s been consistent. We’ve never worried about him needing a rest. We don't play as many games as some teams, and he's been fit and available, so we're happy.
Moyes is also pleased with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, another summer signing, who impressed against Bournemouth.
Dewsbury-Hall is nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for November. Moyes commented, "It's tough to get nominated in the Premier League because of the high level of players."
Kiernan deserves it. He's scoring goals and playing well. He even played deeper in midweek and did great. He's a good player and a positive influence in the locker room, so we're glad to have him.
Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest will mark Sean Dyche's first return to Everton since leaving in January.
Moyes said of his predecessor, "Others can tell you more about Everton over the last few years than I can, but from the outside, it seemed like he stabilised a club that was in trouble and kept them in the Premier League." A couple of times, they avoided relegation on the last day.
He did a great job in a tough situation, and I hope we don't go back to that.
During those times, there's a lot of negativity from the media and the fans. The manager carries that burden, and I think he handled it well.
£35M LOSS: ANALYZING THE COLLAPSE OF HARVEY ELLIOTT'S MANDATORY VILLA TRANSFER
Harvey Elliott's loan to Aston Villa is ending early after just six months. The mandatory £35M purchase clause is now unlikely to be activated.
Harvey Elliott's time at Aston Villa might be cut short. Just six months after joining the club, he might be leaving in January.
The attacking midfielder came from Liverpool on a season-long loan on deadline day in September.
The deal with Villa included a requirement to buy him, plus clauses about selling him later or buying him back.
But, Elliott hasn't played much since joining Villa, even though they won against other teams in the Premier League and Europe to get him.
Unai Emery said that the club is looking at what to do with the 22-year-old before the next transfer window opens next month.
This comes after Elliott didn't travel with the team for their Europa League game against Basel on Thursday.
Emery talked about Elliott's future at Villa in a press conference before a game.
He said, We're talking with him about his situation.
He's not with us. We hope we can find the best solution for him and for us.
I respect him as a player and as a person. He's training well, but there's a situation with him.
Hopefully, we can find a solution for him to play often and continue his career, either with us or somewhere else.
Elliott has played in only five games for Villa since joining, scoring once.
His last game was a short four-minute appearance against Feyenoord in the Europa League in October.
He hasn't been in the squad for any of Villa's last seven Premier League games.
Emery added, I've spoken with him two or three times about the situation.
First, my decision and also the situation. He's on loan with us, but he's not really contributing to us with a permanent contract.
This is a setback for Liverpool.
Liverpool was supposed to get £35 million when Elliott's loan to Villa became a permanent deal.
But the requirement to buy him kicks in only if he plays in 10 games for the club.
So, the Reds will likely miss out on that money this summer since he's only played about half that many games.
If Elliott leaves Villa, he'll likely have to return to Anfield in January.
The former England under-21 player played twice for Liverpool this season before being loaned out.
FIFA rules say players can only play for two clubs in one season.
Elliott could get around this rule by joining a club in a league that runs from summer to winter, like those in the MLS.
BUNDESLIGA STAR: ANALYZING NATHANIEL BROWN'S FIT FOR TOTTENHAM'S DEFENSE
An analytical look at Nathaniel Brown's Bundesliga performance shows why he is a top target for Spurs. Can they beat out three major rivals for the defender?
According to a recent report from journalist Dean Jones, Tottenham Hotspur will have a tough time signing Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown. Spurs will have to compete with Manchester City, West Ham United, Manchester United, and Arsenal to get the German defender next year.
Brown has played well on Frankfurt’s left side this season. The 22-year-old has one goal and four assists in 20 games for the German club in all competitions.
The German player has shown he can defend well, with 30 tackles, 15 blocks, ten interceptions, and 16 clearances in the Bundesliga. He also passes the ball well from the left, with an 81.3% pass success rate in the German top league (stats via fbref.com).
His contract with the German club ends in the summer of 2030, so it won’t be easy for Tottenham to sign him next year.
Should Tottenham Hotspur Manager Thomas Frank Sign Brown?
Brown is a good tackler and times his challenges well to win the ball back. He clears the ball when the other team is attacking and is also a good passer.
The German player can score and assist goals from the left. Brown is mainly a left-back but can also play as a left-sided midfielder if needed. We’ll see if he can handle the Premier League’s physicality and intensity if Spurs sign him next year.
Brown would make Tottenham manager Thomas Frank’s defence better and deeper. He could earn a regular spot in the first team at the North London club in the years ahead.
At 22, Brown could become a star in English soccer if he keeps improving each season. Overall, Frank should sign him in 2026.