The Merseyside Derby ended in a 2-1 triumph for Liverpool, but according to former Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, the result was not simply a matter of team effort, luck, or tactical brilliance. Instead, Grealish insisted that one particular Liverpool midfielder almost single-handedly carried his side across the finish line. His remarks after the final whistle stunned fans, as he boldly declared that this player—not the collective—was the true reason Everton were left empty-handed.
Grealish explained that from the moment Everton took the early lead, the midfielder in question began to take full control of the game. His relentless pressing unsettled Everton’s buildup, his sharp distribution unlocked defensive gaps, and his energy seemed endless. While the headlines typically gravitate toward Liverpool’s attacking stars such as Mohamed Salah or Darwin Núñez, Grealish argued that this derby was defined by the dominance of one man orchestrating the game from the middle of the park. For him, the match wasn’t about flashy finishes but about who dictated the tempo and bent the game to his will.
The former City star also reflected on his own experiences, admitting that even during his time facing Liverpool as a rival, he had recognized the danger this midfielder posed. However, Grealish suggested that in the current season, the player had elevated his game to a new level entirely—becoming not just a threat but a “nightmare” for opponents. His warning to the rest of the league was blunt: if this standard of performance continues, Liverpool would not only win derbies but also bulldoze several of England’s biggest clubs. In his words, no Premier League midfielder would relish facing him after such a commanding display.
Unsurprisingly, Grealish’s candid praise for a rival player stirred widespread debate online. Many fans were taken aback by his honesty, with some praising his sportsmanship while others speculated whether his comments revealed deeper truths about Liverpool’s current reliance on their midfield engine. On social media, debates raged over whether Liverpool’s win was truly a team effort or if it was the individual brilliance of their midfield maestro that tilted the balance.
In the aftermath, one thing was undeniable: this performance was more than just three points for Liverpool. It was a statement of intent. If Grealish’s assessment is accurate, then the rest of the Premier League may have to quickly adjust their strategies. Liverpool may have just unveiled their most important weapon of the season—a midfield dynamo capable of changing games on his own. The big question remains: can any opponent stop him before his influence grows even larger?
