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- The Toffees will play their first-ever match at new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday against Brighton
LIVERPOOL: Jack Grealish has been backed to provide the “magic” to help usher in a new era for Everton.
The Toffees face Brighton on Sunday in the first Premier League game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, having moved from their Goodison Park home after 133 years.
And defender James Tarkowski says new signing Grealish is the perfect choice to add sparkle to the historic occasion and help the club this season.
The 29-year-old Grealish has joined on loan from Manchester City after struggling for regular first-team opportunities at Etihad Stadium and losing his England place.
He made his Everton debut off the bench in Monday night’s 1-0 loss at Leeds United, where a controversial Tarkowski handball resulted in an 84th-minute penalty winner for Lukas Nmecha.
But the former Aston Villa captain, who cost City $135 million when he signed in 2021, and won three Premier League titles and the Champions League, now has the chance to revive his career with David Moyes’ side.
Everton looked short of attacking quality as they struggled to create chances against Leeds. But center-back Tarkowski believes Grealish can make a difference as the club look to add further signings before the transfer window closes.
“We all know Jack’s quality. We want to get him on the pitch as much as we can,” said the 32-year-old recently.
“I’m sure we’ll see him a lot more. I’ve played against him many a time so I know he’s quality. He’ll take the ball anywhere, carry it, dribble, create and pass and physically he’s one of the strongest I’ve played against, he’s incredibly strong.
“We’ll give him the ball as much as we can and trust him to go create and use his magic. We’ve seen it at Villa, we’ve seen it at City and hopefully we’ll see it here.
“For sure (he is a matchwinner). Hopefully he hits his best form at our place and he’ll be a great asset for us.”